Art into Life Ashley Kim

I always find myself sitting cross legged on my bedroom floor, body hunched over a canvas, with the aroma of paint surrounding me. I follow the bleeding of one shade of brown into another and decide on using oil instead of acrylic to magnify the highlights of the face. I opt on blending the final paint smudge with my finger before stepping back to admire my latest work.

From an early age, people praised my ability to combine lines and colors, creating something entirely different from its parts. Wanting to further my technique, I experimented with various forms of art, increasing the challenge with each new piece. But it wasn’t until I completely threw myself into art that I realized its power to comfort. Fifteen and barely starting high school, overwhelmed with anxiety, I began to rely on on art as an outlet. I learned to pour every emotion onto paper and stories evolved out of each painting and drawing.

Soon enough, I was recognized for my abilities from fully embracing my love of art. Asked to create an original piece, I was the first student whose art became the cover on hundreds of Student Handbooks. I left my mark on my school and community by agreeing to come up with a new design for the graffitied electric box in front...