I create to reclaim the voice I lost as a child, transforming years of suppressed creativity into bold, unapologetic layers of truth.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I love creating mixed-media abstracts. I’m driven by the physical history of a surface—the rich textures of collage, the vibrancy of paint and ink, and the deliberate lines of markers and pens. I love the unpredictable marks made by unconventional tools like rocks, sanders, and kitchen utensils. These "scrapes and scratches" create a visible history that makes the work feel alive.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration everywhere, from the natural world to objects otherwise destined for the garbage or recycling bin. However, my primary source is the act of creation itself. As I work, I’m constantly responding to the marks on the surface. It’s an intuitive dialogue where the paint, texture, and scratches guide the piece toward its own truth.
What would you do with $25,000?I love working from home because it allows me to live with the work; I can pop into the studio at any moment to contemplate a problem or try something on a whim. I’d use these funds to turn my space into a creative sanctuary - professional lighting, heavy-duty storage, and high-end archival materials to get that perfect finish. This is about having the resources to scale up my spontaneous process.
Vote for Alison McNeill to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
