2 ft x 6 ft, acrylic on canvas, 2025
3.5in x 4.5in, acrylic on clay, Year
(IDEA)
My idea started when our teacher offered us a variety of old “Precious Moments” figurines to transform. I chose to restyle this one into Belle from Beauty and the Beast because I noticed a lot of similarities in the dress and the flower reminded me of her rose.
(PROCESS)
I repainted the entire figurine using acrylic paints and small brushes, layering colors to match Belle’s look. I also reshaped and detailed parts like her hair to fit her own using clay.
(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY)
The piece represents transformation and creativity, turning something tied to someone’s past into something new and meaningful. I wanted viewers to think about how objects and people can be reimagined.
(ARTISTIC GROWTH)
The hardest part was painting on such a tiny, detailed surface without ruining the original shape. I overcame it by slowing down and doing thin layers. If I started over, I’d probably use more of a matte paint.
(VISUAL VOICE)
This piece is mostly realistic with a stylized twist because of the original Precious Moments proportions. It feels personal because I like mixing sentimental objects with pop-culture references.
6inx8in , acrylic on clay, 2025
(IDEA)
My idea started when our teacher offered us a variety of old “Precious Moments” figurines to transform. I turned this one into a small winter scene inspired by Harry Potter. I liked the cozy, magical feeling of Hogsmeade in the snow, so I decided to recreate that atmosphere in miniature form. The idea grew as I added more details like the sign, the tree, and the building.
(PROCESS)
I repainted and transformed the original figurine, then built a snowy environment around it using paint, a canvas base, textured snow materials, and small props. I used acrylics, tiny brushes, and layering techniques to create the snow and atmosphere, and I painted the sign that came from the variety of figurines to shape the scene.
(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY)
The piece highlights the feeling of finding comfort and wonder in familiar stories. Hogsmeade represents escape, warmth, and magic, so I wanted viewers to feel like they were stepping into a peaceful winter moment.
(ARTISTIC GROWTH)
The most difficult part was probably the small lines and details I had to paint on the figure. There were lots of small crevices I couldnt reach between with a regular paintbrush without painting on another part. I had to get past this by doing many layers.
9 in x 12 in, acrylic on canvas, 2025
(IDEA)
My idea was to paint a small, gentle moment in nature by pairing a bunny with a vine of raspberries and flowers. I liked the softness of the animal against the boldness of a black background. The idea grew as I imagined how the colors and textures could stand out in contrast.
(PROCESS)
I painted the bunny using many tiny brushstrokes in different colors to build up the fur texture. Then I added the raspberry vine and flowers with more controlled detail. The background is a solid black to make the colors and textures pop forward.
(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY)
The bunny represents innocence and curiosity, while the raspberries and flowers symbolize growth and natural beauty. I want the viewer to notice the quiet, peaceful feeling of nature and how small details can stand out when everything else is simple.
(ARTISTIC GROWTH)
The hardest part was layering all the brushstrokes to make the fur look soft instead of messy. I overcame it by taking my time and slowly building color. If I did it again, I might experiment with a lighter background or add more plants.
(VISUAL VOICE)
The style is realistic with textural impressionism because of the layered brushstrokes. It reflects my love for detailed animal subjects and strong contrasts. I like how the bunny’s fur texture stands out against the black background.
4.5in x 8.5in, mixed media sculpture, 2025
(IDEA)
My idea was to create a Coraline style doll of myself, inspired by the movie version. I liked the idea of taking that iconic look and personalizing it. The idea grew as I planned the materials and the display box to match the aesthetic of the film.
(PROCESS)
I built the doll completely from scratch using a twined wire body, hand-sewn clothes, a clay head, yarn hair, button eyes, and clay shoes. I then created a display box lined with newspaper and added a note similar to the one in the movie. Everything was handmade and assembled piece by piece.
(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY)
The doll represents identity and the slightly unsettling way the doll looks. The button eyes and the boxed display connect it directly to the film’s themes of curiosity and hidden meanings.
(ARTISTIC GROWTH)
The hardest part was getting the hair right, since the yarn color didn’t match my exact shade of blonde. I worked through it by focusing on quality. If I did it again, I’d search more carefully for the perfect yarn color.
(VISUAL VOICE)
The style is a mix of stylized realism and stop-motion-inspired craft. It shows my personal style of blending handmade details with story-based themes. I love how unique the final doll looks, even with its imperfections.
5in x 3in, clay, 2025
(IDEA)
My idea was to create a clay planter that could hold a real plant while still looking artistic. The idea grew as I thought about color contrasts and the plant that would live inside it.
(PROCESS)
I shaped the clay around a plastic bowl to get the form I wanted, then glazed the inside and top white and the outside blue-brown. After firing, I planted an aloe vera inside. The process was hands-on and focused on shaping and glazing.
(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY)
The planter represents growth and care. The aloe vera symbolizes resilience and health, while the colors suggest calm and natural beauty. I want viewers to notice the balance between use and aesthetics.
(ARTISTIC GROWTH)
The hardest part was shaping the clay evenly around the bowl and applying the glaze smoothly. I overcame it by taking my time and being careful with layering. If I did it again, I might experiment with different designs on the outside or color combinations.
(VISUAL VOICE)
The hardest part was shaping the clay evenly around the bowl and applying the glaze smoothly. I overcame it by taking my time and being careful with layering. If I did it again, I might experiment with different shapes or color combinations.
4in x 4in Size, acrylic on clay, 2025
(IDEA)
My idea came from extra clay left over from another project and wanting to make something small and fun. I was inspired by the pink and green “Happee Birthdae” cake from Harry Potter, so I decided to make a tiny ring bowl isnpired by it.
(PROCESS)
I shaped the bowl from clay and used hot glue to attach the letters for the words. Then I painted it to match the cake’s colors. Everything was done by hand, focusing on small details and playful colors.
(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY)
The piece represents celebration inspired by the magical and humorous aspects of the Harry Potter world. The colors and lettering reference the cake directly, inviting viewers to recognize the playful connection.
(ARTISTIC GROWTH)
The hardest part was making the letters look clean and neat. I realized hot glue wasn’t the best choice, so if I did it again, I would make the letters from clay. It taught me to think ahead about materials and technique.
(VISUAL VOICE)
The style is playful and stylized, with a focus on miniature craft. It shows my personal style of turning small ideas into whimsical objects.
3in x 11in, mixed media sculpture, 2025
(IDEA)
My idea was to transform a random Barbie doll into Astrid from How to Train Your Dragon. I wanted to recreate her look accurately with my own handmade details. The idea grew as I planned the outfit, weapons, and textures to make it recognizable and accurate.
(PROCESS)
I rebuilt the entire outfit from scratch using fabric, clay, leather pieces, craft fur, and acrylic paint. I also 3D printed her axe and carefully painted all details to match her character. The process involved sculpting, sewing, painting, and assembling everything by hand.
(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY)
The doll represents creativity, dedication, and fandom craftsmanship. Astrid symbolizes strength and confidence, so I wanted viewers to recognize her bold personality in miniature form. Every detail, from her axe to her armor, reinforces her character traits.
(ARTISTIC GROWTH)
The most difficult part was making all the materials work together and capturing her armor and textures accurately. I overcame it by experimenting with different fabrics and glues. If I redid it, I might have recolored her outfit more accurately.
(VISUAL VOICE)
The style is realistic and detailed miniature crafting. It reflects my personal style of combining sculpting, sewing, and painting to create fully realized custom dolls.