Every word has a meaning. Every image can express these in infinite ways. For senior Monica Garza, the art of painting and calligraphy is how she best reveals herself.

Garza has been interested in painting and artwork since elementary school.

“I first started getting into art when I was in the fourth grade,” Garza said. “I instantly fell in love with painting, drawing and anything creative of that sort. I started working on my handwriting with hopes of making the best it could be. A few years ago is when I began taking interest in calligraphy. I think cursive is beautiful, and should be taught more in schools. I didn’t realize how good I actually was at calligraphy until people began asking if I was selling my art work.”

The senior’s talent is purely self-taught, thanks to practice and little help from the Internet.

“In elementary school, we had an art class, which first sparked my interest in painting,” Garza said. “From then on, I spent my days scrolling through Pinterest and binge-watching YouTube videos with the intent of getting better. I practice every day in some shape or form, whether it’s an entire art project, or just writing my name on a homework assignment from school. The only way to improve at something is practice, so I utilize every moment I can get in order to insure the best quality for the people who order from me.”

Upon request, Garza began creating custom paintings for willing buyers.

“When selling my painting, I usually ask for the buyer’s design they want,” Garza said. “I normally don’t just make a paining and then auction it off, it’s more of people’s wants. I ask for what they want, and I do my absolute best in replicating it.”

Prices for Garza’s paintings vary, but the primary cost is twenty dollars.

“The price of my paintings depend on size,” Garza said. “The smaller the medium, the lower the price and vise versa for the larger pieces. The majority of the paintings I sell are 12 inches x 12 inches, and they typically go for $20.”

Recently, Garza donated a painting to the word art wall in the offices of Ms. Shropshire, Mrs. Weinheimer and Mrs. Smith which reads “kindness.”

“Just her word itself [adds to the wall],” intervention specialist Katelin Shropshire said. “But also the image that she contributed and that it was an investment and knowing that it was something for the teachers, she put a lot of time and effort.”

Other than requests such as the “kindess” painting, Monica claims that her main source of inspiration comes from the bible.

“Almost all of my artwork consist of Bible verses or lyrics from a Worship song,” Garza said. “I am a strong believe that God has given me this artistic ability, and what better way to spread His word and His love through art? Different Bible verses speak to me in different ways, which explains why no two paintings of mine are alike! Each are original in their own little way.”

Though Garza does not wish to make a career out of her artistry, she hopes to continue with these skills in the future.

“Painting is a strong passion of mine, and I don’t want to give it up for no reason,” Garza said. “Once I go to college, painting for orders might slow down, but I will definitely continue drawing and doing calligraphy throughout my college career. Currently, I plan on majoring in Elementary Education in college and then getting a job at a local school from my university. Knowing that teachers don’t necessarily make the highest of salaries, I plan on continuing my little art business throughout my career as an educator. It would be able to supply me a tad bit more money, and I’d still be able to continue doing something that I truly love and have a passion for.”