Erin Smith
2025 Roost Boost Scholarship Award Winner, 3rd Place
Art has always been a huge part of my life. Since I can remember I have been drawing. I had quite a large obsession with mermaids back then, so I would draw them all the time. Even when all we did was finger painting, I loved going to art class. After that, I fell in love. The idea that I could see a beautiful mermaid in my mind and then put her on paper was mesmerizing. One thing that has especially inspired my art is films. I have always loved the uniqueness and creativity of shots and how they affect the viewer. Another thing that has influenced my ideas is music. Since I can remember, I always had an immense passion for music. I would listen to songs, imagine, and then draw. It has helped me grow as an artist and person. While movies and music heavily inspire my art, the most important thing that inspires me is people. That has been my answer since I started drawing. Life in general is extremely inspirational. Seeing others' emotions, uniqueness, and talents, but also their faults, gave me my love of realism. Overall, art has given me the chance to spread my fears in a way that has helped me cope with them. It has also given me the chance to express myself and my ideas in a way that feels very gratifying. Mostly, my art has helped me tremendously when no one else could.
