Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I enjoy making scenes that lean towards the whimsical and fantastical, creating an escape to everyday life and the ordinary. Through my paintings, I like to invite people into places I dream of going. My favorite parts of each painting I make are the unique “easter-eggs” of my life and passions that i sprinkle into the details of these landscapes. To be able to bring people together by building a shared experience with an art piece makes its' creation much more enjoyable.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in the stories I grew up on, many of which are fairytales, but the heart of my art pieces comes from the meaningful connections I have with my friends and family. My Mom and brother are my biggest advocates, pushing me to grow my techniques and to explore more difficult subject matters. While books and films have shaped my aesthetic foundation, I am most inspired by resilience. Seeing those I love turn tough moments into something beautiful is what helps me pick up my brush.

What would you do with $25,000?

Winning this prize money would grant me the opportunity to work on the development and creation of my ongoing series that delve into my fantastical dreamscapes. It will provide financial freedom to focus on bringing them to life by covering research and production costs and aid in procuring high-quality materials like larger professional canvases and paints. I would also use part of the funds to acquire an art studio so i may dedicate my time to larger and future projects and invest in my craft.