Young Artist: Zitlaly Zuniga Mena
3D-cardboard self portrait cartoon/animated style (materials- cardboard,hot glue, acrylic paints)
Young artists at MLA are very talented and are able to show emotion and attitude in unique ways. These young artists have been through a lot and would like you to know a little bit about them and what they think and feel when they draw. So stay tuned to this artist’s profile. Let’s begin…
Zitlaly Zuniga Mena is 18 years old, and currently a senior at Marine Leadership Academy. She has been drawn to art since she was a fourth grader, up until now. Growing up, Zitlaly took tons of art courses including advanced art programs, After School Matters, and even doing AP Art this school year with Ms. Zoldan. When asked what makes her so drawn to art, Zitlaly said, “being able to create things without a certain plan. You could start making things out of nowhere, out of random objects, with anything really, and you could express yourself pretty well out of the art you create.”
As long as you can think of something, and make it and create it, youre an artist. ”
— Zitlaly Zuniga
At the moment, Zitlaly is currently working on her AP portfolio for her AP 3D Art class. When asked what she’s making, she stated, “I’m currently working on making a jellyfish that can turn into a hat. I’m also working on some more expressive pieces”. Her current art pieces are meant to showcase mental health from a creative aspect. Instead of showing the darkness and solitude of mental health, she plans to base her work on showing how one can cope with mental health and the good days while being trapped with a mental illness.
When asked who brought her this inspiration and passion for art, she recalls her elementary school art teacher. She states, “Honestly, I think all of the art teachers I have had inspired me in one way or another but specifically my elementary school art teacher because he was always saying everyone is an artist and everyone can make things. Even if you don’t think you’re creative enough or can’t actually draw a realistic person, like even making stick figures, that’s making art and that makes you an artist.”
If Zitlaly would have to pick an artwork of hers to be her favorite she says it’s her self-portrait made out of cardboard. She put a lot of work into it and it came out really well in the end. She states, “It’s not super realistic, but it’s more of a cartoon self-portrait.”
Like my art teacher said, honestly anyone can create stuff and anyone can be an artist it doesn’t matter how much experience you have or how creative you are. ”
— Zitlaly Zuniga
A message Zitlaly would want other aspiring artists to know is anyone can be an artist, no matter what. She says, “Like my art teacher said, honestly anyone can create stuff and anyone can be an artist it doesn’t matter how much experience you have or how creative you are. As long as you can think of something, and make it and create it, you’re an artist”.
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