Who am I as an artist -- now that is something that I am trying to figure out too. I don’t want to pretend to be someone who I am not so I’ll be honest with you: I’m young and don’t have much experience (although I did spend last summer assisting this amazing photographer, I hope to do the same again this summer), but I do have passion, drive and ambition which I believe is just as important, especially as you begin to venture out into the creative world. I’m the type of person who would take up any opportunity that comes my way believing that it’s always worth a try; coming across 9th Street is another hopeful opportunity. Right now I’m experimenting as an artist; I’ve been interested in photography for many years now although haven’t always had the courage to pursue this ambition of mine. I find my inspiration comes from all over; currently I’m at school, I enjoy it but it doesn’t inspire me creatively. I love my friends and really enjoy learning but not necessarily in the conventional way -- I don’t enjoy the structure of school and the way we are thought to learn is just so limiting. We are programed to work hard to pass exams rather than to pursue something that we love and have a passion for. I dream of a
life which is impactful and adventurous. My inspiration comes from the world we live in and the people of this world; there are so many incredible people who have inspired me despite not knowing them personally, this is what I love about the internet and being able to have access to it during my teenage years has really impacted and influenced me as a person. I don’t think I would have been provided with alternative outlook and creative options without the use of social media. Everyone is so connected it’s easy to find people who you admire and communicate with them, you have access to the life lessons of those who have lived and learnt, advice as well as adventures of so many people around the world all doing what they love and are passionate about. Which encourages me to feel the same way; to trust my gut and dive into the unknown, which is a scary place, to pursue my passions and fulfil my hopes and dreams, you begin to have faith and believe in your own crazy ambitions when you realise others have done the same; taken that first scary step of trying something new and trusting your instincts. There are people who I follow that encourage me, motivates me and reassure me (not necessary directly but the way they positively
use their platform). The most motivational and inspiring thing I have seen is a video called The Gap by Ira Glass; basically explaining that first you develop taste for anything creative -- art, poetry, photography etc. -- and that is something he then goes to explain that you are never going to be as good as you want to be, there’s a gap between where you are and where you want to be when you start off, but you just have to keep creating until you get to a place where you’re proud of your work. Slowly the gap will get smaller and even then you keep pushing yourself. After listening to his words it was a realisation that everyone is always a little too harsh on themselves. I think anyone experiencing self-doubt in their ability to succeed should watch it. Another huge inspiration of mine is travel; when I went backpacking in Morocco for 2 week I came back feeling so inspired by the people I met, the culture, the connections and experiences; I felt so refreshed and recharged once I came back I just wanted to hop on another plane and absorbe the culture of another country. I made me realise that I have to take a gap year after year 13.
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