I love to create art because it's fun, rewarding and allows us to express ourselves without words. Art invokes emotions and connects us all.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I create traditional Onkwehonwe/Mohawk black ash and sweetgrass baskets with a contemporary touch. I thoroughly enjoy the creative process behind making them, as well as keeping a traditional art alive. There are endless possibilities when it comes to basketry and it's such a niche art form. It makes it fun to think of new things to make and new ways to push the envelope.
Where do you find inspiration?My mom inspired me to start and taught me all the basics. She's encouraged my creativity, supported my dream of being an artist full time, has helped me more times than I can count and she continues to make her own beautiful baskets to this day. She is my biggest inspiration.
What would you do with $25,000?I would buy all the extra tools, supplies and pay for rental space to start teaching classes so that I can pass on the knowledge that I was given and hopefully inspire others the way I was inspired. I would also stock up on splint and support local log pounders who are becoming increasingly rare so that we'll be supplied for years to come. The emerald ash borer has made the future of black ash basketry unknown and stocking would help secure my future immensely.
Vote for Ann Mitchell 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.
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