Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I’ve always gravitated towards darker horror/ sci-fi themes. Some of my earliest influences include Boris Vallejo and Frank Frazetta. Their depictions of characters in fierce battle or overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds effected me in a way that I couldn’t quite put into words at the time. As a a young kid that grew up on the bad side of town, those images were a symbolic beacon of hope given my situation. I now try to incorporate similar themes into my art work.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere around me. I look for the quiet struggles in the people around me, and I try to create scenes and characters that symbolically represent those struggles. Art is a great way of connecting to those around us; we could all resonate with pain or overcoming an obstacle in our lives. Two people can look at the same work of art and connect it back uniquely to their own lives, but the inspiration and connection to the art is shared between them.

What would you do with $25,000?

The money would serve two purposes for me. Firstly, I would help my mother get the medical care she needs. She recently lost her medical benefits, and she’s in need of dental work that we are currently not financially equipped to cover. Secondly, if there is any left over, I would put it towards my education. I’m currently a full time student, so the remainder of the money would help with supplies and classes.