Oil paint will always be my favorite medium due to its endless possibilities of color and texture, allowing me to capture fascinating moments of time as accurately as possible. Painting with many thin layers to create realistic depth in my subject. I find myself most drawn to depicting the behavior of animals through my art. Studying wildlife conservation in college helped me understand that the unaltered environment is a work of art on its own if one just watches and wonders why.

I’m inspired by the majesty of fauna. Animal movement, fur, and anatomy, I find it all riveting. Learning about a behavior and way of thinking that is incomprehensible to all human reason. Driving me to create realistic depictions of behaviors rarely seen by humans. Showing wildlife’s intrinsic value because they are sentient complex beings replacing the archaic ideas of monetary or anthropocentric value. I believe I can use my art to help people connect to the natural world as I do.

The money would grant me the ability to observe wildlife around the country, actually witnessing the behaviors I've been studying academically and artistically. I would give a portion of the money to my family who has supported me throughout college, allowing me to pursue a career that otherwise wouldn't be feasible. I will also donate a part of the $25,000 to the Sweeney Granite Mountains Desert Research Center. My time at the center had a profound influence on what I choose to paint today.