Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

My artistic practice centers on neon as a medium and the meticulous process of crafting this unique material. My portfolio ranges from abstract pieces exploring pattern, color relationships, and emotional resonance to representational works that highlight the meaning behind the subject while showcasing technical mastery. Ultimately, I am interested in what neon can achieve beyond commercial signage, and I aim to demonstrate its versatility as a fine art medium.

Where do you find inspiration?

My work draws from the intersections of nature, architecture, and history, pulling specifically from the patterns, colors, and textures of the world around me. Having been told since my early days that I am practicing a 'dying trade,' I have become acutely aware of the crafts that have already vanished or are currently at risk. My work is unified by a desire to highlight these endangered values—subjects and traditions that don't easily fit into today’s fast-paced, disposable world.

What would you do with $25,000?

I would reinvest these funds directly into my practice to establish a permanent neon studio. Beyond the specialized equipment and raw materials required for the craft, this capital would provide a foundation for growth—covering application costs for exhibitions and grants that will sustain my work long-term. Finally, I would love to dedicate a portion of the funds to restoring the iconic Tribune neon sign in downtown Oakland, preserving a vital piece of our local history.