Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

Collage / assemblage art that juxtaposes strikingly different styles of is my favorite. Art that reshapes the perspective we take on everyday objects and reframes a creative outlook on life is how I aim to inspire others. Making the best our of what life has to offer you is a motto I live by, which fuels my approach to art. Poetry is another art form that I utilize to try and inspire others through creating relatable poems. I aim for any piece of art that stimulates connection and introspection.

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration comes from everywhere in life considering how I utilize everyday found objects in my art. I'm particularly inspired by the color theory of impressionism, abstraction of surrealism, and symmetrical precision of artists like MC Escher. The Thrasher and Architectural Digest magazines that provide a lot of my collage material are also great sources of inspiration. The local art community in Raleigh and artist friends of mine also fuel my creativity and inspire me daily.

What would you do with $25,000?

The money from this grant would go primarily towards my pursuit of the residency opportunity I've been accepted to at the Berlin Art Institute. This is an expensive 4 week long course that would be a significant investment in my art career. Additional funds would go towards the independent record label that I manage called 47 Eyez On Me. Our label has been a pillar in the local music scene, and we could really use some financial runway to expand nationally and invest in digital advertising.