I create to transform pain into beauty. Living with chronic illness, art helps me bloom through struggle and share hope with others
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I’m drawn to creating expressive figurative and wildlife paintings that explore strength, resilience, and transformation. I love combining bold, loose brushwork with intentional structure—allowing certain areas, like the eyes, to feel deeply refined while others remain raw and alive. My work often weaves in elements of nature—animals, florals, and light—as symbols of growth, survival, and quiet power.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in both struggle and beauty—living with chronic illness has shaped how I see the world. I’m drawn to moments of quiet strength: animals in stillness, the way light touches a face, the resilience found in nature. My beekeeping and connection to the natural world continually remind me of persistence, purpose, and the delicate balance between fragility and power.
What would you do with $25,000?I would use it to create meaningful memories through travel with my husband as he battles a rare aggressive cancer while I fight my own health challenges. Time is our most valuable gift, and I want to spend it fully—experiencing, connecting, and living with intention while I continue to create art that reflects that journey.
Vote for Laurie Christopher 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.
Register now for your opportunity to appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display your artwork at The Art of Elysium's Salon.
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.
