Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I use oil paints to create surreal paintings. In the last few years my focus has been portraits of emotion expressed through cakes as vessels, with nature emerging as the physical form of internal feelings . These soft surrealist paintings probe the intimate and often unspoken aspects of human experience, weaving a visual language that confronts body image, identity, and emotional consumption. My favorite type of work to make is art that translates visually what is difficult to express in words.

Where do you find inspiration?

My work is inspired by the emotions of chronic illness, mental health, body issues, and triumph. I find deep inspiration in nature; the movement of plants and animals mirrors the interconnectedness of our nervous systems. There is a magic there I am driven to capture. I am also fascinated by how humans use nature to create folklore and myth to answer the unsolvable. How we assign symbols and spirits to the world to make sense of our existence speaks profoundly to my creative process.

What would you do with $25,000?

With the $25,000, I would grow my art business and expand how I share my stories. Being an artist is rewarding, but it comes with a price tag. I’d start by enhancing my in-home studio to create more work, but I’d also invest in professional branding and high quality prints. These steps would help me reach the people who need these visuals the most, turning those moments where words aren't enough into more.