“The freedom and vulnerability that go hand in hand. I get to show people a part of me that I otherwise wouldn't be able to and find others who have been through similar things in the process! It's being able to explain things and feelings without words.”
Name: Victoria Rollins
Age: 16
Grade: Sophomore
Pronouns: They/She
Inspired Aesthetics Programs: Virtual Pop-up Experience (Creative Writing), Ceramics Experience
“Throughout my life the one thing that's been constant is my expression through words.”
Press “play” below to hear Victoria read this piece!
What is your favorite form of artistic expression? Why?
“Writing for sure, I've always been a writer. My family is full of artists and I've seen so many different types of art. Throughout my life the one thing that's been constant is my expression through words. I learned to read fast and that brought my love of words and word play with it.”
How do you want to incorporate art/creative expression into your future?
“I would love to be an author and illustrator of my own books! I never want to not have art in my life. Even if it is reduced to a simple side hobby, I always want it to be apart of who I am.”
Who influences you as an artist?
“I think I'm more influenced by the people and things I see and how I understand everyone else's expression than I am specific people, but I do love lemon_zhaoxiaoli(Instagram) and her videography skills are amazing. I also appreciate Sakiyama, an illustrator I found out about recently. Their artwork can show exactly how I feel sometimes.”
What is a topic or idea that is most important/interesting to you right now? Why does it matter?
“The ability to find yourself within your culture. Recently, I've been on a personal journey to find who I am and who I want to be as a result. People my age are forced into a dying world that in many cases does not accept them as they are. Not to mention black and brown Americans have to fight for their right to be and exist in their cultures is becoming a more mainstream issue. Self-love and self-expression ARE black culture. They are a part of every culture and as a person who is a part of the black community I WILL NOT continue to let the pain of past generations and the transgressions of others impact my ability to exist in the body and as the person I want to be. There are so many young POC (people of color) my age who are afraid to be who we are because of the repercussions. I'm only 16 and I'm already tired, and I refuse to let these people put me to sleep.”
What do you want to do after you graduate high school?
“I plan on going into some field of psychology but I'd love to take a gap year to travel or build money and connections. Throughout this time I expect I'll be working on poetry and art pieces to complete my books.”
"Mary, may I?"
"Mother's Skin; The Skin of my Kin"
"Boy with No Crown"
"Crown of Thorns" or "Transgressions"
“It's where I feel safe; my pieces cannot judge me for my flaws.”
What is an opportunity that you have had, through Inspired Aesthetics, that you might not have had otherwise?
“I got the chance to make and possibly sell my pottery artwork! I'm very excited, this is an artform I've always wanted to go more in depth with.”
Where can people see more of your work?
“My professional Instagram is @victoria_rolllins (with 3 lowercase L's).”
“I never want to not have art in my life.”
