I create to give my inner world a visible pulse. Through bold color, I transform my private thoughts into a fearless visual experience.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My favorite art to create is Visionary Pop Surrealism, a style that allows me to bridge the gap between our physical world and the vibrant landscapes of the subconscious. I love merging the human form with biological blueprints, like DNA and roots, to show our deep connection to nature. By using bold, non-naturalistic colors and symbolic imagery, I fearlessly externalize my innermost desires. My work is a sanctuary where I translate the soul's pulse into a shared visual experience.
Where do you find inspiration?My inspiration is an act of reclamation. I draw from the tension between my past religious trauma and my current growth, using art to deconstruct old dogmas and celebrate the 'interesting truths' of science and spirituality. My work is fueled by my heritage, femininity, and the lived LGBTQ+ experience, turning social justice and personal history into a vibrant visual language. I find beauty in the evidence that proves my past life wrong, rooting my vision in nature and the real world.
What would you do with $25,000?Winning $25,000 would be a transformative bridge to both creative and personal stability. Professionally, I would invest in high-quality equipment to produce prints, allowing my work to reach a broader audience and making 'The People’s Art' accessible to all. Personally, this prize offers the rare gift of financial security. I would invest in my children’s futures and build a foundation for my husband and me, ensuring that I can continue to create from a place of peace and freedom.
Vote for Melisa Smith 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.
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