I began painting when my son was diagnosed with a serious illness called PANS. Art helped heal the deepest wounds of my heart.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I could never paint before November 2022, when my son was diagnosed. I was desperate for an outlet to process the grief and pain from months of fighting for a diagnosis and the right care for him. I picked up a brush, and my life changed forever. My work reflects hope, peace, and emotional healing. I am drawn to resilient trees, light breaking through darkness, and winding paths. I create contemporary atmospheric landscape paintings in acrylic, using a moody palette to evoke depth and resilience
Where do you find inspiration?I am deeply inspired by my upbringing in the Willamette Valley wine country of the Pacific Northwest—the tall evergreens, moody skies, rolling hills, vineyards, and farmland. These landscapes continue to shape my work, drawing me toward atmosphere, quiet movement, and light within nature. I am also inspired by my faith in Jesus, which has been a steady source of hope throughout a profoundly difficult journey. It is only through this faith that I have found light shine through my darkest moments.
What would you do with $25,000?If selected, I would use the $25,000 to reduce debt and expenses resulting from my son’s health challenges and the broader impact it has had on our home, as we continue rebuilding stability.
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