Art is my language of expression. It helps me share my experiences of living in a strange and complex world. As I grew up watching cartoons and animated media, I have always been inspired by the immersive power these characters and worlds had over me. I would draw my own characters and make up their own individual stories. Over the years I have learned how to use digital tools. With these, it has allowed me to tune into my own imagination as I can share these stories and characters with my friends, family, peers, clients and the whole world!

Another form of my art is my internal expression, as a lot of us see life in different lenses. I proudly share my experiences of my own struggles in life with washes of paint, charcoal and inks. I want to hopefully bring us all together more as people. We are all beautiful and experience the world in such unique ways. Many of us bear scars from challenges and struggles, but with art, it can allow us to share them in such profound ways. Sharing through art can open eyes and can provide healing to help those feel less alone.

- Nikki Hazel 2023