Assemblage is my favorite art form — bringing together discarded glassware, wood, broken jewelry, watches, and old rusted nuts & bolts. I love the messy workbench with its piles of discarded treasure, and the engineering challenge of connecting two completely different materials. The gathering of materials to make a sculpture or doll is a joy in itself. I hope my art sparks thoughtful conversation, touching the observer and inspiring them to look outside the box.

I find inspiration everywhere. A walk might uncover the perfect piece of driftwood or beautifully rusted gears. A street sweeper's brush leaves behind tiny metal scraps that make wonderful spiky hair on an art doll. A thrift shop vase can become a skirt or bodice, inspiring an entire doll built around it. Even old salt & pepper shakers find new life as sleeves. Nothing is truly discarded — it's just waiting for its next life.

I live and create in a locally historic, character-filled 1885 home, and this prize would be put to purposeful use to invest in my home and studio upkeep and preservation. I would expand the art workshops I offer to the community, and gather more materials from thrift shops to keep creating. I would also donate to local arts groups, and set the remainder aside for a rainy day.