What is your favorite type of art to create?

Working in mixed media and oil sticks on canvas, I create abstract and magical realism pieces that explore natural abundance and coastal light. I am fascinated by textures that bridge the gap between reality and emotion. Currently, I am evolving my practice by incorporating fabric scraps collected during my work trips to Senegal into a series of sketches. I use the tactile nature of the cloth to anchor my memories of West African life in a lens of expressive color and movement.

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration is rooted in the "otherness" of the world around me. Whether it’s the resilient beauty of a garden or the complex energy of West Africa, I am inspired by the interplay of shadows, forms, and new environments. I find myself constantly translating the music inside words and the shadows of the unseen into visual form. I don't just look at a landscape; I look for the pulse and the hidden narratives that live within it.

What would you do with $25,000?

This grant provides the financial bridge to dedicate time to large-scale production, allowing me to transition from a digital nomad lifestyle to a dedicated studio. After months of housesitting in the Southeast, I aim to settle roots and invest in premium, sustainable materials. I will create a new series of oversized mixed-media canvases (36x36+) exploring global interconnectedness—using these resources to move from small studies to the immersive, ambitious pieces I envision.