Because its my language - how I process, build and make sense of the world around me.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
Large scale mixed media and encaustic abstract on wood. Im drawn to building layered surfaces that hold both structure and atmosphere - where architectural elements, raw materials and fluid movement meet. My work often sits between landscape and memory, grounded in physical process but driven by intuition and depth.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in the intersection of structure and environment - coastlines, weather, erosion and built spaces that carry time within them. My background in construction and athletics also informs my work: discipline, repetition, and physical engagement with materials. I am less interested in depicting a place and more in capturing the feeling of being within it.
What would you do with $25,000?Easy - I would invest it directly into scaling my studio practice and expanding into larger, more ambitious work. Refining lighting and documentation for professional presentation, and building a cohesive body of work for gallery and collector placement. A portion would support the development of a dedicated studio/gallery environment, allowing me to exhibit work in a controlled, intentional way. Create opportunities for in person engagement with collectors and the community.
Vote for Monique Shelton 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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