Junior Julia Grimes is not a verbal person. So when words fail her, art proves a perfect substitute.

“Art is just always the way I’ve communicated,” said Grimes. “Instead of saying, ‘I love you,’ I’ll make a little booklet or something for someone.”

Since art is a means of communication, Grimes strives to express inner feelings rather than adhere to prompts.

“I have a really hard time having an assignment or actually having art classes and having to make something. I get really excited about a certain thing, or I’ll have a really good idea and just go out and do it,” said Grimes.

To create exciting and original work, she prefers to draw inspiration from spontaneous sources, such as life’s everyday pleasures.

“It can even be something small. I made a little magazine of things that I like to do, like finding lucky pennies or making professional phone calls in my underwear, just small little things that make me really happy,” said Grimes.

However, Grimes does not shy away from addressing more serious content in her art.

Earlier this year, she contributed a sculpture to the Gay-Straight Alliance’s Transgender Day of Remembrance. Her piece showed doves that flew upwards when visitors removed rocks that were attached to them. In this piece, she strove to communicate an important message.

“[The piece] would say, ‘Remember these people, and remember what they’ve gone through, and don’t let them die in vain,’” said Grimes.

Whether tackling a serious issue or everyday whimsy, Grimes’ purpose remains the same: to communicate a feeling as best she can.

“Some pieces are just pretty silly, like your little brother or sister going to give you a hug. It’s really hard to translate,” said Grimes. “Every piece has its own little monologue.”

Emma Nash and Brooke Gibbons can be contacted at [email protected].