Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

My favorite art to create is large-scale public sculptures. I love transforming metal into sculptures that feel welcoming, joyful and impactful to the viewer. There is something incredibly meaningful about taking an idea from a sketch and bringing it to life at a scale that people can walk around, interact with and remember long after experiencing it. Being able to create artwork that positively connects with others is the driving force behind my art.

Where do you find inspiration?

I spend as much time as possible outdoors experiencing nature and wildlife which is where I find most of my inspiration. I’m deeply inspired by joy and the feeling of connection that nature brings and I hope my artwork encourages others to slow down, explore outside and reconnect with what brings them joy. I’m inspired by the flight of a bird, the growth and movement of wild plants and the feeling of fresh air on a hike. Sharing that sense of wonder through my work is deeply important to me.

What would you do with $25,000?

If awarded $25,000 I would invest it into expanding my large-scale public artwork and creating more opportunities for communities to experience art inspired by nature. The funding would support materials, fabrication equipment and future public installations while helping me create public artwork that encourages connection to the outdoors and joy. A major goal of mine is to install a public sculpture in a lower-income community to inspire hope and show others their dreams are possible.