Art brings light, love & healing. It gives life meaning, and through creating, I give something deeply meaningful back to the world.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My favorite art to create is expressive, soulful portraiture that tells a story beyond the surface. I’m drawn to painting people as vessels of emotion, culture & spirit. I blend realism with vibrant, almost spiritual color, where each brushstroke reflects love, strength, pain, joy & transformation. I don’t just paint how someone looks; I paint what they represent. I explore identity, heritage & personalities, capturing their essence, light & story; art that is not only seen, but deeply felt.
Where do you find inspiration?I’m inspired by life; my journey & experiences. Growing up in Jamaica, surrounded by vibrant culture & resilience, shaped my vision but emotion fuels my work. Losing my father taught me to turn pain into healing through art. I’m inspired by people, their stories, strength & spirit, capturing that energy on canvas. Above all, my inspiration comes from a higher place. I believe my gift is God-given, & I create art with that sense of purpose to bring light, love, & connection into the world.
What would you do with $25,000?If I win $25,000, I will invest it into my artistic journey and global expansion. Coming from Spanish Town, Jamaica, my path, from exhibitions to Fashion Week and city honors, has been shaped by faith, resilience, and limited resources. This support would deepen my creative practice, fund new bodies of work, strengthen global platforms, and build a powerful digital presence. It would also open doors for emerging artists like me. This is not just funding; it’s legacy, purpose, and impact.
Vote for Andy Ballentine 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.