I create art to turn hidden emotion into something visible, honest, and beautiful, and to remind others they can rise too.
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 painting, especially symbolic pieces that tell a deeper story. I started with cryptozoology and mythical creatures because my kids loved mystery, wonder, and the unknown. As life evolved, so did my art. Now I paint the emotions people carry beneath the surface: hope , grief, fear, longing, strength, healing. I love creating something that says what words can’t, and lets others see themselves in it too.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in experience. Most of my ideas begin as an emotion—something heavy, beautiful, unresolved, or hard to name. I’ve realized there are many feelings deep inside me that want to be understood and released. Painting gives them shape. Sometimes inspiration comes from pain, sometimes hope, sometimes longing, but it usually starts with something real I’ve lived or carried quietly.
What would you do with $25,000?Honestly? I’d pay off some debt, invest in better art supplies, and create room to breathe so I could keep building. My bigger dream is to open a small gallery that also serves as a welcoming creative space for unknown artists and the community; a place for families, friends, and strangers to gather, connect, release stress, and heal through art.
Vote for Miranda Carpenter 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.
