Born and raised in California to a large family, I always had an inclination to art. As a child I would ask for paper and markers for my birthday, excel in creative school projects, and draw with my aunt frequently. These drawings with my aunt would lead to my drive to “draw just like her”, so I drew every spare minute I had. Time passed, and with the divorce of my parents, multiple moves across Northern California, and feeling quite lost with the lack of purpose and community, I clung to my art as a teenager. I spent my lunch time painting and took as many art classes as my schedule allowed. My high school art teacher urged me to apply to various opportunities. After admittance to multiple shows, other on campus design work, and receiving a scholarship, I felt to further my artistic passion at a college level. At BYU-Idaho I developed technical art skills, but desired lasting passion for my craft. Through a strong shift of determination, I gained my current confidence in my artistic path and pivotal necessity for close, inspiring art mentors and peers I look up to now.
Calissa Chapa
