Illustrations by Anonymous

Edited by Ashley Thornton

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Artist Statement: I start this statement by saying that I don’t have much to write in terms of what goes on in my head when I conceptualize and do these illustrations. My thoughts are usually concerned with what’s practical, like doability, basic color theory, and shading technique. However, if I have to relate to reminiscence, maybe I have more to write than I thought. I dedicate the next portion of this artist’s statement to anyone who was or is lonely. It’s not an easy feeling to deal with, especially when the advice I’ve heard and read about is less than satisfying because it places too much blame and responsibility on the individual. The issue with conventional advice on loneliness is that it’s too rigid for anyone to apply in their own lives. I think there needs to be more of a focus on emotional reassurance to motivate people to find their own way to overcome loneliness rather than proposing a one-size-fits-all solution. Since it won’t be long before I graduate, hopefully, I can leave behind something that could achieve just that. As I reminisce about my time here at UCI, I cannot help but have mixed feelings. I felt like I’d done everything in the book to form long-term connections, like introducing myself in class or attending club events, but to no avail. Sometimes, the question isn’t whether you are too weird for the world but if the world is becoming too weird for you. As the world is becoming more financially and mentally demanding, it’s easy for people to become insecure and let that get the best of them, whether that manifests through forming cliques or becoming withdrawn to focus on meeting those demands. I guess the best thing we can do in this situation is persist. I understand this is also not a satisfying answer. However, I am here to say that I commend you for any effort you put in and that I hope looking at these illustrations brings you some sense of comfort, as drawing them did for me.