Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

My favorite type of art to create is mixed media because it gives me the freedom to experiment and push past the limits I set in my own mind. When I’m unsure where to begin, it lets me create without being held back by perfectionism. I enjoy weaving in realistic elements, but I use them to ground the chaos of abstraction. That balance between structure and freedom is what gives my work authenticity, energy, and movement.

Where do you find inspiration?

Music is one of my strongest influences because it holds pure emotion and movement. A melody or rhythm often triggers an immediate visual response in my mind, translating into color, texture, and form. I often get asked if I have synesthesia, and while I don’t, I like to think my mind still has its own way of translating music into visuals. I’m drawn to how quickly music can shift feeling, and I often use that emotional spark as the foundation for how a piece develops.

What would you do with $25,000?

I would use it to take my work as a self taught artist to the next level and build a sustainable future. I don’t currently have a studio space, so I would get a dedicated place where I can actually grow as an artist and create without limitation. I would invest in better materials, tools, and the foundation of my art business so I can treat this as a long term career. I would also use part of it to give back to the community that has supported and shaped me.