My favorite art is transformative upcycling fused with organic illustration. I work with wood because it holds a history of knots and imperfections—much like people do. It’s highly physical work; I love sanding down forgotten pieces like vintage TV trays and freehanding detailed mushrooms, pinecones, and leafs into the grain. This art is deeply personal. It reminds me that no matter how weathered or quiet something seems, grit and patience can rebuild it.

My inspiration flows from the resilience of the natural world and the quiet corners of everyday life. I find immense beauty in the complex, hidden networks of nature—like the geometric growth of mushrooms and the textures of weathered wood. I’m inspired by things that endure, change, and reclaim their space. My art is where I find my absolute voice. Transforming forgotten, discarded mediums into functional art reflects my belief that nothing is ever truly broken.

This prize would turn a personal passion into a community asset. I would invest the $25,000 into industrial woodworking equipment and a professional lab setup to scale my production of functional art. Beyond building my own micro-farm and studio, my ultimate goal is to use this space to teach others. I want to show people how to find healing and purpose through hands-on creation, proving that you can take the weathered, forgotten pieces of life and build something beautiful.