My name is JP Kinney and I am a senior at Princeton High School.
I hope you will read my story below.

I was diagnosed with a rare bone disease when I was just 9 years old. By middle school, I was living in excruciating pain and could no longer walk on my own. I endured surgeries, bone biopsies, IV infusions of medications with harsh side effects, and many hospital stays. During this difficult time in my life, I found that expressing myself creatively through art was incredibly freeing. Painting and drawing took my mind on a journey outside of my pain, which allowed me to feel hopeful. Although my work has developed and evolved since that time, it is my emotions which have been consistently revealed through my art. I most enjoy painting people, and often try to capture not only their vulnerabilities and struggles, but their resilience and determination as well.

​

Fortunately, after many years of IV medications, the doctors were able to stop my disease from spreading any further, which eventually allowed the damage from the many bone lesions throughout my body to heal. It was a very difficult process, but I am now able to walk again without significant pain. I believe art helped me to heal, and I am driven to create art which embraces empathy and inspires others as well. Light, shading, and tone are often a focus in my work which I use to emphasize feeling and emotion. 

 

I am extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to study various forms of painting, drawing, and the art of craft through both my high school and the Cranbury and Princeton Arts Councils. Through this valuable exposure, I know I want to pursue a career in art. Although I do not know exactly what that outcome will look like yet, I hope to gain formal training, sharpen my techniques, and broaden my perspectives through the expertise of college professors. It is important to me to pursue my passion for art while also expanding my academic knowledge within a college education.

 

I know the meaning of perseverance, grit, resilience, empathy, and hard work, and I use these qualities in everything I do. I am looking forward to being surrounded by both art and other artists in college, and I know my inclusive personality and welcoming outlook in life will allow me to easily collaborate with my peers. My art is a reflection of my emotions, my journey, and my hope for the future.