Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

My favorite art to make always involves direct drawing. I work primarily in black and white, I think in terms of light and shadow when I create forms. I like to create rich blacks next to moments of pure light. This is why charcoal and inks are my go to. My style also lends itself well to printmaking, with my primary processes being intaglio, lithography, and relief. I almost always include figure in my work, I love the challenge of trying to capture feelings and movement within a still image.

Where do you find inspiration?

In my work I like to explore identity and get inspired by my own autobiographical experiences. I hope to communicate a story or idea that can be relatable to the viewer. I find a lot of these experiences when I explore. I travel as much as I can, it’s when I have my greatest epiphanies. I also find inspiration in other artists, particularly german expressionism and baroque art. My art obsession began, though, with comics. Works like “Calvin and Hobbes” and “Bone” are what made me start drawing.

What would you do with $25,000?

$25,000 would go a long way. With that money, I could get back into printmaking, as the cost of running or joining a studio has prevented me from printing after graduation. It would also help me with my newest project, a graphic novel. I’ve already started the book and being able to print and distribute it myself would be a game changer. I would be able to create my masterpiece the way I know I need to, no compromises. With $25k I would be able to jumpstart my early career as an artist.