Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I’ve always grown up drawing and working with charcoal. There’s something about its texture that feels deeply therapeutic. During the pandemic, I expanded from drawing into mixed media—painting, sculpture, collage, and working with metals and wire. Opening that door shifted how I view art. Now, I draw creativity from many different avenues and find myself drawn to blending multiple media into a cohesive piece.

Where do you find inspiration?

My life experiences and the emotional states I move through as I navigate life shape my work. These include periods of grief, sorrow, joy, uncertainty, curiosity, and a wide range of other emotions. As an immigrant from Uganda, much of my story has influenced how I see the world—shaping my understanding of poverty, hardship, and the ways we, as humans, remain resilient in the face of adversity. I find inspiration in social issues, emotional experiences, and creative drift.

What would you do with $25,000?

$25,000 would elevate my creative vision by expanding access to materials like canvas, charcoal, paint, and metal, etc., allowing me to scale my work into larger, immersive mixed media pieces exploring diverse social issues through art. It would support exhibitions, documentation, and community workshops centered on identity and healing, helping me share work that reflects my story and resonates with others.