I create art because feelings deserve a place to live, and sometimes the only home they find is in the work we create.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I love working with soft pastels because of how delicate and expressive the medium is. It forces me to slow down and build each layer with intention. I draw moments—quiet, personal fragments of time—and use soft transitions and texture to bring them to life. I also love tattooing, where I’m able to carry that same approach onto skin—creating meaningful, lasting pieces that people can take with them every day.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in moments I wish I could hold onto forever. Whether I’m working with soft pastels or tattooing, I try to capture those moments and turn them into something lasting—something people can feel and carry with them.
What would you do with $25,000?I would invest it directly into my tattoo business—upgrading my setup, expanding my reach, and creating better opportunities to grow as an artist.
Vote for Jennifer Vargas (Jay) to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
