Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

Sculpted Paintings is the integration of color, light and texture with many surface variations and includes, mixed media. I am dedicated to creating a space for free speech in this time of evolving change, something that is at once beautiful and meaningful, when it seems we are attempting to find equality and justice. The flag paintings are a reflection of our need to find resolution. Currently, I am using landscape imagery and subtly incorporating our historic documents into the paintings.

Where do you find inspiration?

The inspiration for creation can be found anywhere and everywhere. I find the most inspiring moments are subtle and are usually sparked by continuing the work I am already doing. While painting a large landscape with many surface variations I realized I could inject a story of wanting to create a differing view of current events into the canvas by also incorporating the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and The Bill of Rights. These documents can be seen in the painting.

What would you do with $25,000?

As a working artist, I am constantly looking for the next progression of where the work goes and for ways to make it accessible to everyone. Most recently, I created a film that uses my Sculpted Painting images and a piece of poetic prose called: Tipping Point. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=gWplcCkS3cU It has been my way of expanding the idea of a new kind of anthem. A way to tell a story of unity. I would use this award to continue that work and my style of painting.