Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I incorporate found objects, secondhand substrates, and always look to recycle something that has completed its intended purpose. I place a heavy emphasis on turning materials discarded by another into art. It is not only important for me to embark into a more sustainable craft, but I think it is beautiful to repurpose items with existing history and breathe new life into them allowing these energies to live on. My favorite art is the kind that also holds past lives through repurposed materials.

Where do you find inspiration?

I am on a path of a more abstracted exploration of themes like consciousness versus the human psyche. I incorporate juxtaposition in my work, acknowledging serene moments amongst the chaos. I encourage others to listen to their intuition and follow the path it is guiding them down. My work begs you to notice and explore a facet of life you haven’t before. I am inspired by facilitating conversations that may not have otherwise been had if not evoked through my art.

What would you do with $25,000?

To receive the grand prize of $25,000 would mean pouring back into the arts community. It would give me the means to secure more studio space as well as invest in projects with other small artists. With the physical space to produce larger projects, the greater the outreach, and the larger the audience. With the proper funding we can facilitate collaboration between other emerging artists on a greater scale.