The crinkles around an old man’s eyes, the defiance in a child’s gaze, they are stories etched in lines. As the pencil glides across the canvas it captures stories of the soul. The vulnerability, resilience, and the quiet courage of everyday heroes. As a sketch artist, I’ve chosen to wield my pencils and brushes as tools for change. My passion lies not only in capturing the essence of a moment or a face but also in uplifting those around me. While I was struggling to become my own hero at 17, art taught me to portray my story and draw a new storyline for myself. A better life. The act of creating feels like a dance between my heart and my hand. I want others to see their stories and cultivate beautiful ones through art; to help them express their hidden emotions as their stories unfold on paper. In those moments, my hand will translate the unspoken into graphite and shadows, and set souls free.