I create because I'm compelled by the world's beauty, camera in hand, turning fleeting real moments into lasting memory.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My favourite art to create is photography because it lets me honour what already exists: real people, real connection, real emotion. I’m drawn to the quiet in-between moments: the glance, the laugh, the softness people don’t always notice in themselves. I love the act of stilling time, not to freeze life, but to preserve how it felt. It’s a way of paying attention to the small, fleeting details that end up meaning the most in the long run.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in real life and human connection — the quiet, unplanned moments where people show who they are without thinking about being seen. I’m drawn to subtle gestures, natural light, and environments that feel honest and unforced. Nature and open spaces also ground my perspective, but most of all, inspiration comes from paying attention. Slowing down enough to notice the small, fleeting details that often hold the most meaning.
What would you do with $25,000?If I won $25,000, I’d travel with my teenage son and show him the beauty of the world — the kind of experiences that stay with you long after the moment has passed. I’d invest in a new camera to keep documenting life as we move through it, and set the rest aside for his university or college fund, giving him the freedom to explore, learn, and experience the world on his own terms when the time comes.
Vote for Ray 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.
Register now for your opportunity to appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display your artwork at The Art of Elysium's Salon.
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.