I have studied many different types of art through my education and travels. However, my favorite type of art to create by far is painting. I have always considered myself a painter and always felt most comfortable in the fluidity of painting with a brush above almost any tool. Fracturing with collage and fabric has been a fun way to add atmosphere and intense contrast for painted figures. A storytelling type of creating that has more of a narrative.

I find a lot of my inspiration with the power of place and working with people or patients creating art in the hospital with a local nonprofit (Art With A Heart In Healthcare). In nature I am most connected with myself, body, mind, and spirit, it gives me perspective. Connecting with people while creating art in medical settings and live event painting has taught me how to connect with my audience and viewers. It helps inspire me to create meaningful art for all to feel seen and appreciated.

If fortunate to win I would use $25,000 for travel and materials to create on site vast Plein Air landscapes and fine art figure studies of humanity from around the world. I want to create bodies of meaningful work that reflect human connection and culture beyond verbal language. Financial freedom would give me the time to be an observer of body language and experience local life globally. Visual Artists have the ability and responsibility to document and reflect what we witness.