I make art to put visuals to feelings and identities in a constantly changing world. Having aphantasia, art helps me see what my mind can't.
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 type of art to create are paintings and collages. I love storytelling through my artwork, bringing life to each of my pieces. I bring a deeper soul to what "art" means, sparking a multitude of emotions in my audience. If my artwork invokes something within you, I feel as though I have done my job as an artist.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration through my identity as a queer individual who has faced a multitude of hardships because of it. I want to be a role model for other transgender and queer youth (or anyone in general) and for them to feel represented through art. One of the worst things is growing up and feeling alone with yourself, because you don't see people like you in the media. I also find inspiration through the beauty of nature and what it brings into the environment all around us.
What would you do with $25,000?Most of it would go to supporting my local small town community by growing both my bookstore and art business, and elevating my career as a young entrepreneur. I would help out local art programs, and give back to the communities that made me who I am today. As well as paying off medical bills for surgery, I also would save a good portion of it for retirement and other long-term savings. Life can be unpredictable, so I would be very grateful to be able to save a large amount of money.
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