Creating makes me feel alive and at peace—like meditation in motion, fully present yet lost in something bigger than myself.
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 layered, textural pieces that feel alive—where natural elements and sculptural forms come together in quiet harmony. I love building depth you can get lost in, where each detail reveals something new. My work is a reflection of connection—to nature, to self, and to the unseen energy that flows through it all.
Where do you find inspiration?My inspiration comes from a feeling—an unspoken pull toward something that crosses my path in any form. It’s less about searching and more about recognizing. When something resonates, I just know—that’s what I’m meant to create. I follow that quiet instinct and let it guide the process.
What would you do with $25,000?I would use the $25,000 to bring my business, Raven Naturally Local, to life—a community-rooted model that connects local makers, artists, and products to the retail world through curated displays and custom gift baskets. It’s about creating opportunity, supporting local art, and building something that can be replicated in communities anywhere—strengthening connection, creativity, and local economies.
Vote for Melanie Knowles 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.
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.
