I think everybody likes art when they are a kid. I mean, what's better than coloring and drawing whatever you want? Personally, I adored art when I was little; I always had a pencil or marker in my hand.

Art was my favorite class in elementary school because I loved creating something new each week. Every week we would learn about a new art style and incorporate that into our own unique work.

As well as loving art class, I also spent my free time sketching and conceptualizing more creations. Michael's craft store became my second home, and I was constantly buying new art supplies there. My room was littered with colored pencils, canvas', and various notebooks. At that time, art brought me so much joy, so I made sure it took up a majority of my life.

While I was in elementary school, my art teacher entered a couple pieces from students into competitions. I'll never forget when she told me the weaving I made won something. It was an amazing experience to go see my own work on display with so many other incredible pieces of art.

In addition, I also dedicated my first week of a couple of summers to participating in my school's art camp. My art teacher gave us multiple projects to work on, which we would then present to our parents on Friday in our very own art gallery. I loved all the creativity and productivity this week brought me because I was in a constant state of inspiration and could share with people how I think through pencil marks. This camp was full of people who also had a deep admiration for art and made the experience even more special to me.

However, once high school rolled around, my interest in art was put to the side. During this time period in my life, I started taking my passion for English and writing more seriously.

Art was still a hobby of mine, just not something that took priority in my life. If I needed to take a break from writing and schoolwork, I would sketch and work on my calligraphy.

Now, as a college student, who is focusing on English a majority of the time, I want to reintroduce this activity back into my everyday life. My goal is to slowly introduce it back by doing one sketch a day. Once I get more established, I also want to buy some updated art supplies since a majority of mine are from eighth grade.

Sketch I did on 1/7/2019Isabella Hornick

Art is an incredible way to express yourself and is something fun to look back on. Self-improvement is huge in my life, so I can't wait to fill up my blank sketchbook with new images every day. This project is going to require putting some time aside, which may be difficult, but it's something I am passionate about getting back into and truly want for myself. I honestly can't wait to start drawing again and watch myself improve as the year progresses.

So here's to 2019, the year of rediscovery and creativity.