finding my outer expression

By: Karen M.

Expression through art is something I have been passionate about since I started drawing and painting in the second grade. It started with painting and drawing. Then it progressed to makeup and nail art. I loved doing my makeup for fun.

Like if it were Halloween or something, I would do a skeleton face with pinks and purples. And splashes of glitter all around. My mom was amazed at how my skeleton face turned out. Since it requires some sort of artistic skill to be able to do it she said. I love creating things that are unique. And painting my nails is like painting on a canvas. Many people don't assume I like this kind of stuff, so I like to express myself. They probably don’t assume I like makeup because I don’t wear any at school. I like this to be one of my side Jobs either makeup or nails in my future.

On Thanksgiving day in the 5th grade. I was like 10 years old at the time. I wanted some fall Thanksgiving nails. Because I didn’t want to be basic. I picked out my nail colors which were nude pink,brown,orange,yellow,white, red, black,and light pink. I did white for the base. I wanted to make a cute little turkey. So I dotted the body with brown and I grabbed a pencil. Well I used the tip of the pencil to make the little eyes and mouth.

I then dotted different colors for the feather. Top it off with a clear top coat. I was so proud of myself for painting something so small. I showed it off to my mom and dad. Then to the rest of my cousins when we were eating at the table. They all were impressed by how small and good the turkey was.

My interest started off with drawing sketches of faces and doing crazy designs like hearts or winged eyeliner. Those sketches soon were found on my face.(lolll) It’s a form of self expression using makeup.

The thing about this is that I have struggled with how I look. So these little things like having pink and sparkly nails. It’s a touch to my look. Or putting on some eyelashes makes me feel much better about myself and how I look. Because I don’t express to others how I feel about body image, you know. It’s something really personal.

Expressing myself with art is just the right touch. It makes me feel really good when I create something beautiful. I think it’s perfect even if the lines aren't straight. I just wish it was like that in real life. Even if I don’t feel great about my looks. I’m still happy enough that I can enjoy the moment I start to do my makeup. I feel alive doing what I love. Careful with each step to create the perfect look. After I'm done I feel accomplished and proud of my look. It makes me feel better about the way I look. Like I said it adds a touch to my look. Or to me it's also like a distraction from the way I look. In the future I would like to continue my passion for makeup or nails, to make others feel as good. As like what I feel when I do my nails or makeup.

For The Warrior Times, this is Karen Machuca.