Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I absolutely love surrealism and the ability to take “real life” subjects and fuse them into an unnatural visual. This style helped me expand my capacity as an artist seeing beyond face value. As a self taught artist, I’ve tried many different styles and mediums until I landed on what worked for me. I leaned into surrealism as a way to blend all of the techniques that I love and create a more unified body of work.

Where do you find inspiration?

My work is inspired by everyday life and the natural world, because everything has a purpose. I’m especially drawn to how nature and the human experience can intersect, often reflecting one another. Sometimes I start with emotion or real life experiences, other times with an element, but I follow that pull through symbolism and research creating the foundation. My time with God, along with dreams and reflection shape my work’s final form. It is both a therapeutic and enlightening practice.

What would you do with $25,000?

With the $25,000 prize, I will bring to life an immersive installation exploring growth and timing through a core vision I’ve held on to since the beginning of my practice. I will invest in venue, production, and strategic marketing to create a high-impact experience. Beyond opening night, I plan to extend the project through community art based reflection events, offering ongoing access, engagement, and a space for healing, dialogue, and inspiration.