I create art to alchemize pain into purpose—what once broke me now helps others feel understood, seen, and not alone.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I’m drawn to raw, emotionally driven pieces—expressive portraits, symbolic figures, and mixed media that blur the line between pain and beauty. I have incorporated sculpture and texture into my work, creating pieces that feel lived-in, not just seen. My art isn’t about perfection—it’s about truth, healing, and giving form to what words can’t hold.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in the unseen—trauma, healing, motherhood, and the quiet moments where people are just trying to hold themselves together. My daughters, my past, and my journey through neurodivergence all shape what I create. I’m also inspired by the mind itself—how we process pain, how we survive it, and how we transform it into something meaningful.
What would you do with $25,000?I would invest in expanding my work as both an artist and art therapy practitioner—creating a safe, accessible space where people can process their experiences through creativity. I’d fund materials, workshops, and community outreach focused on healing through art, especially for those who feel unseen or unheard. This wouldn’t just grow my art—it would allow it to reach and support others on a deeper level.
Vote for RACHEL YE 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.
