I love creating art because it lets me turn ideas, memories, and feelings into something people can see, feel, and connect with.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I most enjoy creating introspective, figure-based work that explores identity, emotion, and quiet moments of reflection. I work across punch needle, fiber art, painting, and digital illustration, using texture, color, and simplified forms to convey depth and feeling. I’m especially drawn to the tactile nature of fiber, incorporating materials like yarn and found elements to add dimension and presence. My practice is rooted in storytelling, often drawing from personal experiences and memory to cr
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in music, culture, and the lived experiences of Black people. I’m drawn to everyday moments that hold joy, rest, and quiet reflection. Music often guides the tone of my work, while memory and community shape its direction. I aim to create pieces that feel grounded and intentional, often focusing on subtle gestures, expressions, and mood to convey emotion and presence. I’m also inspired by the beauty in stillness and the power of creating space for softness and care.
What would you do with $25,000?With $25,000, I would take a sabbatical from my 9–5 to fully focus on expanding my art practice, specifically my punch needle work. I want to transition into being a full-time artist, and these funds would allow me to work toward that goal with intention. I would invest in high-quality materials and equipment, improve my home studio, and create a cohesive body of larger, more intricate fiber works while pursuing exhibition opportunities.
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