By Ashley Ni
“Don't compare your journey or creations to another because we are all on our journeys and no one else can do what you do. And that if you feel lost or like you don't know who you are, you can find your own voice through having gratitude for where you are on your journey now. And having gratitude is super key if you want to grow and expand your gifts, because through appreciating where you, you make room for expansion in your life.”
“Don't compare your journey or creations to another because we are all on our journeys and no one else can do what you do. And that if you feel lost or like you don't know who you are, you can find your own voice through having gratitude for where you are on your journey now. And having gratitude is super key if you want to grow and expand your gifts, because through appreciating where you, you make room for expansion in your life.”
Art has always been a strong focus and an important component of Collingwood student’s lives. Jason Ross, a Grade 11 student, is a great example of this statement. His favourite part of creating art and photography is seeing an idea transform into a physical manifestation. “Whenever I create something, it always starts as a daydream or thought from my mind and then I begin to create it physically.” Outside of school, Jason is a photographer, also working in the online marketing industry. His favourite subjects being Visual Art and Yoga, Jason loves meditation, fashion, spending time in nature, hiking, fitness, running, making food, and has been vegan for three years now!
Jason has been following Claire Michelle, who goes by the account name “Plantifulsoul” on social media since 2016. Claire has greatly inspired him to always follow his intuition and to listen to himself, rather than pushing or suppressing his emotions or feelings. “I have honestly learned a lot from her and her journey inspires me a lot.”
To Jason, art is a way of expressing himself, and it's almost a gift to himself and others. Art has allowed Jason to express himself and build a deeper connection with himself. He truly believes that art and creating are a doorway that allows us to express ourselves in every area of our lives.
For the future, Jason aspires to design his own clothing brand and focus on growing his online platform and business. “I think that all of the little beautiful moments that have come from art and creating will always remain within me, and when life may seem darker I can remind myself of the light that came from these moments.”