Self Portrait My name is Soo Henthorn. You will notice that I sign my art Soo Tarn. This is because I believe God gave me the talent to draw when I was born, and so I sign my art with my maiden name to honor God's awesome gift! As you can tell, I am not originally from this country. I was actually born in Hong Kong, China, and immigrated to the United States with my parents when I was 14 years old. We came here for a better future, and the freedom the United States offers. I did not speak one word of English when I arrived in the United States! At an early age my teachers recognized my talent for art, and with their recommendation I was allowed to enroll in and graduate from what was the only High School of Art and Design in the U.S. at that time. I majored in Advertising and Illustration. I continued my education in art at the Columbus College of Art and Design, where I graduated with a degree in Fine Art. My major was in Illustration, and I minored in Advertising. I am a Christian, and that I believe the Bible is true. I believe that angels are real, and that they are sent here among us to accomplish God's work. The Bible tells us that God created the angels to help us, comfort us, and guide us, often in ways that we can sense their presence. Around the world there are many drawings and paintings of angels, but so often they show angels in untouchable, distant ways. In my illustrations of angels I wanted to create a feeling of closeness between angels and people, and that is where the inspiration for this series of drawings and paintings came from. That it is why I named them "Angels Among Us." As you look at the artwork, you will see that there is only one color painting. I wanted to illustrate the angels as they might appear among us, but I also wanted to show the splendor of the angels. In attempting to do this, I have tried many medias such as oils, acrylics, and gouache, but they did not turn out the way I had pictured in my mind until I tried watercolor. As you can see, watercolor brings out the floating, lightness and glorious qualities of the angels. Unfortunately, it was not until recently that I began using watercolor, so that is why there is only one color painting. I intend for my future art to have a number of color paintings.