When senior Christina Bruce was seven she watched her mother paint and was inspired to start creating her own work. In high school, she spends a large portion of her time in art classes and working on her own original pieces.

Though Bruce has been infatuated with art since a young age, she has found that being a good artist is not something that always comes naturally.

“You’re not always going to be very good at it. It takes a lot of time to build up your skills,” Bruce said. “If you want to do well in art, it’s just patience.”

She has honed her skills over the years and has personally gone through over 20 sketchbooks. Bruce said she finds inspiration anywhere and everywhere she goes and from the items she holds close to her.

“Since I bring a sketchbook with me wherever I go, if I find inspiration I’ll do it,” Bruce said. “I am one of those artists where I want everything absolutely perfect. So if there is a page that isn’t perfect, I’ll decide the sketchbook is ruined and have to get another one.”

Bruce encourages students to pursue art, even if the piece does not come out as envisioned on the first attempt.

“I can say that I have given up a few times but I am still doing it. Sometimes pieces of art aren’t what you think they are. Just don’t give up, art takes time, don’t give up on yourself,” Bruce said.