Art is where the infinitely complex becomes clear. It is a vital space that transforms individual voices into a shared human experience.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My favourite art is the alchemy of deconstruction: cutting apart words and sewing them into poetry and song. It's a process of taking the rigid, "finished" world and breaking it down into raw material. By stitching disparate phrases together, I create a patchwork of emotions that feels more honest than a spoken sentence. I transform language into a sculpture, where ever seam is a story and every thread is a voice finally finding its place.
Where do you find inspiration?Inspiration comes from everywhere, but mostly from the way I process things. I’m a chronic overthinker, so I’m constantly deconstructing conversations or ideas in my head until they turn into something new. I also find a lot of clarity in nature; there’s a specific kind of logic in the outdoors that balances out the noise in my mind. For me, everything is a potential starting point—it’s just about catching those small details and figuring out what to do with them.
What would you do with $25,000?I would use the $25,000 to fund my journey through college and law school, ensuring I have the stability to continue creating art while navigating a capitalist landscape. More importantly, I’d leverage my education and resources to advocate against the rise of fascism in America. For me, this isn’t just about personal comfort; it’s about securing the tools and the time needed to defend democracy and use my voice—and my art—as a shield for the future.
Vote for Lacy Calhoun 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.
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