What does art actually mean? Growing up, I interpreted art as drawing and painting but as I started exploring this world, I quickly realized there was more to it than I could have ever imagined.

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For as long as I can remember, I have loved the woodblock print of The Great Wave Off Kanagawa. It has been my inspiration for many different art forms I have dove into. Above are three different ways in which I have recreated this memorable art piece. From the left to right: Acrylic Painting, Tattoo on an Orange, Adobe Illustrator. 

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“There is no line between fine art and illustration; there is no high or low art; there is only art, and it comes in many forms." -James Gurney

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in the eyes of the beholder

Art and beauty can be seen all around us in the world, we just have to choose to see it. 

 

Creative outlets have been my way of taking in my version of life. These outlets, whether it was photography, painting or sculpting, showed me that not only could I create something that captured a moment or produce something aesthetically appealing but also express a feeling or emotion through the making of this work. 

 

Looking at the three different versions of The Great Wave Off Kanagawa above, each one has its own story to it. 

• The first one on the left was a semester long project my first semester at San Diego State University. It was the first time I had moved out of my family house and into my own home. This painting was the anchor that grounded me through the ups and downs of learning to be independent. 

• The middle is a tattoo that I did on an orange. It is the newest art form I have picked up and am trying to learn. 

• The last one is a re-creation made completely on Adobe Illustrator. This was the project that reassured my choice to add art to my academic career. Becoming an art minor was something I knew I always dreamed of doing but wasn't sure I could do until working on this piece.

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Not everything created needs to have a story to it but for me, it has helped me treasure milestones along the way.