Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I began as a painter, creating portraits and landscapes in watercolor and oil, and only later fell in love with clay—now 15 years deep. I still love painting, but working with my hands and shaping something three-dimensional from the earth stirs something deeper in me. Clay lets me combine both worlds, painting on its surface in a way that feels entirely new. And opening the kiln after the final firing still feels like Christmas every time.

Where do you find inspiration?

I’m inspired by the rhythms of nature, the personalities and stories of the people in my life, and the ever-changing pulse of what’s happening in the world around me. From the quiet beauty of the land to the chaos and humor found in daily life and current events, these influences weave together in my work. They push me to create pieces that feel alive, meaningful, and connected—both to the moment and to something more enduring.

What would you do with $25,000?

With the $25,000 grand prize, I would create a small studio space in my rural community where I can teach and share my love of art with both children and adults. It would be a place for creativity, curiosity, and hands-on exploration—giving people of all ages access to materials, encouragement, and the joy of making something with their own hands.