XPI Student Showcase

My name is Heather Foster. I live in Citrus County with my family, our five dogs, five tarantulas, a pet scorpion, and our neighbors - the manatees. I am a Christian and I am thankful for the gifts God has given me. In my spare time, when I'm not drawing, I like watching movies. For the last four years I've been a teen movie reviewer for our local paper.

Academics are important to me. Commuting to Vanguard High School in Ocala, an hour from home, to attend the International Baccalaureate Program has certainly been a challenge, yet I've learned a lot along the way!

When not at school or doing homework, I love to draw. Drawing is my first and foremost passion in life; it has always brought me joy. Even when I wasn't “good” I loved experimenting with different materials just to see what they looked like on paper. Eventually, these scribbled globs evolved into animals and fanciful creatures. Fantasy has continued to be my favorite subject. What I love about Fantasy is that it has no rules – it's free!

I gain inspiration from dreams, imagination and the world around me. I am always on the lookout for interesting beings; with a pinch of faith and imagination anything can happen!

As a sophomore, I became intrigued with animation – I've even animated two of my own stories. My cartoon A Child in the Attic was screened at the 5th Annual San Diego International Children's Film Festival and at Comic-Con International this summer. After winning best in show then First Place at state with this cartoon, I was thrilled when it won “Judges Favorite” at the 2007 International Student Media Festival in California.

My art has provided me with some amazing opportunities; I've participated in numerous shows and exhibits, including the Webber Center at Central Florida Community College and the Appleton Museum of Art. Winning Best in Show in 2007 at the 36th Annual Festival of the Arts in Inverness Florida was a huge thrill. I was honored to illustrate my first book, Tiny Tom, as a high school freshman. In the future, I look forward to publishing my own children's stories!

I can't wait for the next step, and attending the University of Florida in Gainesville would be a dream come true! But no matter what I'm doing, I will always try to incorporate art; it enriches and fulfills me. I'm 100% certain I'll never get my head out of the clouds. So, if the world seems monotonous and dull – flee with me to fantasy!

I hope you enjoy my work …