The Power of Art: A Journey of Self-Discovery & Expression with Sophia Dunn
The artwork of Sophia Dunn, a freshman at Lake Dallas ISD, was entered into the Bullock State History Museum art competition, and it was one of 100 pieces of artwork accepted in the state of Texas.
What is your inspiration?
Art has always been more than just a hobby for me. It has been a means of self-expression, personal growth, and emotional healing. My journey as an artist began in Pre-K, but it was 8th grade during my honors art class, where I was tasked with creating a self-portrait. This assignment was not just about capturing my physical features but about exploring how I see myself in a metaphorical sense. Through this piece, I was able to acknowledge both my flaws and unique traits, ultimately recognizing what makes me beautiful.
I wanted my artwork to reflect my personality and how I perceive the world. To achieve this, I incorporated elements that hold deep personal significance. Flowers, which represent my love for nature, became an integral part of the piece. My favorite colors—red, orange, pink, and purple—dominated the background, making it vibrant and expressive. I chose to render my actual portrait primarily in charcoal, allowing the background to stand out and symbolize my personality.
The contrast between the bold, colorful background and the subdued portrait was intentional. It represented how I wanted the essence of who I am to be showcased. Additionally, I included patches of skin showing through on the outside, a metaphor for how people often appear different externally from who they are internally. Only certain aspects of our true selves are
visible to others, a concept that deeply resonated with me.
How did you get involved in the Bullock State History Museum’s art competition?
My 9th-grade art teacher, Mrs. Murray, first saw my self-portrait after my mom posted it on Facebook. She later encouraged me to enter it into a competition. To my surprise and excitement, my piece advanced to the state level and was
displayed at an art museum in the Capitol. It was my first time visiting the Capitol, and the honor of having my work exhibited there was overwhelming. While I had previously traveled for gymnastics and track, this was the first time I had journeyed anywhere to receive an art award. This experience opened my eyes to the vast opportunities that art could provide, much like sports had done for me in the past.
Is there anyone you want to thank?
My middle school art teachers, Mrs. Smith and Coach Davis, as well as my high school teacher, Mrs. Murray, have played a crucial role in my artistic development. They helped me build foundational skills, explore different artistic mediums, and discover my strengths as an artist. Mrs. Murray, in particular, has pushed me to refine my technical skills and improve my presentation across various artistic styles. She has also recognized my unique artistic vision and encourages me to embrace my unconventional ideas. Our collaboration has been mutually beneficial, fostering both my artistic growth and her ability to guide creative students.
How has art affected your life?
Since 7th grade, I have struggled with anxiety and depression, and art has been an essential outlet for processing my emotions. It provides me with a way to channel my thoughts and feelings onto paper, helping me work through internal struggles and moments of overwhelm.
One of my most meaningful pieces, “Fake a Smile,” won an award for its depiction of mental health challenges. Created in charcoal, the piece illustrates a person with a smile stitched onto their face, symbolizing the pressure to mask true emotions. I incorporated various elements representing different mental health struggles—hair-pulling for stress, cuts on the wrist for self-harm, and hands covered in hurtful words that reflect the weight of negative comments. This piece resonated deeply with viewers, shedding light on the silent battles many people face.
What are your future goals?
Looking ahead, I plan to continue taking art classes throughout high school and competing in as many competitions as possible. My goal is to enhance my skills and gain recognition for my work. Recently, I participated in the VASE Texas art competition and received a perfect score—something I have consistently achieved since 6th grade. I hope to earn art scholarships for college, in addition to academic and athletic scholarships. My dream is to attend the University of Florida, where I can pursue my passion for science through a degree in chemistry or biology, ultimately leading to a career in dermatology.
How do you hope your art affects those who see it?
Art is a powerful tool that evokes emotion and inspires thought. My goal as an artist is to create pieces that make people feel something—whether it be joy, introspection, or a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
I want my artwork to encourage people to embrace their emotions and find their own creative outlets. Expression is vital in a world that often stifles our ability to communicate our feelings. Art, music, dance, and other forms of creativity provide an essential means of self-expression. For me, art is my voice, my therapy, and my gift to the world. Through my journey as an artist, I hope to inspire others to explore their creativity and use it as a means of self-discovery and healing.
