Creating art quiets the noise—it’s where hands, breath, and focus meet. Every piece becomes a small act of presence, shared or solo.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I build in layers: mosaic, cast, paint. Each step carries the history of the last. Some might call it a mixed media mosaic, but I call it MetaPainting: a layered process where every step leaves its mark on the next.
Where do you find inspiration?My inspiration begins in the quiet details of everyday life: the way light falls across a table, the texture of a worn surface, the small domestic moments that often go unnoticed. I’m drawn to the organic patterns of the natural world, which find a natural echo in the forms and rhythms of mosaic. The act of making is itself a source of inspiration—there’s something meditative about working in layers, allowing each stage of the process to inform the next.
What would you do with $25,000?A $25,000 prize would allow me to invest in both sides of my creative life: my studio practice and MetaPainting, the mindful art kit I’ve built around the idea that creativity is something to be shared. A portion would go toward materials, equipment, and dedicated studio time to develop a new body of mixed media mosaic work—pieces that continue my exploration of layering paint over hand-cast ceramic mosaics, and that I’ve long wanted the space and resources to pursue at a larger scale.
Vote for Ariel Shoemaker 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.
Limited-time: 2X votes ends on Wed 6/3 at 9PM PDT
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.
