Art lets me slow down and notice the extraordinary in the ordinary, and transform small moments into something intimate, timeless, & joyful.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My favorite type of art to create is miniature watercolor. Each piece is under 2.4 cm in diameter - about the size of a quarter. I love working at this intimate scale, where every detail matters. Painting small allows me to give space to and transform everyday subjects into something intentional and delicate that invite people to slow down and lean in.
Where do you find inspiration?Inspiration lives everywhere for me - in a basket of yarn, a sleeve of French fries, or a bird outside the window. It’s in the small, fleeting moments that make up our days. We move so quickly we often miss them. My work is about slowing down, noticing, and honoring those details. In a fast-moving world, my inspiration comes from paying attention to what we can easily overlook.
What would you do with $25,000?I would invest in expanding my miniature watercolor practice—better materials, more time to create, and new ways to grow. I’d also advocate for small-scale work, helping show that tiny pieces can carry just as much impact. Tiny can be mighty! Just as importantly, I’d share my work through workshops, resources, and supporting local arts programs, making creativity more accessible. Art has given me so much, and I want to pass that on.
Vote for Sadie Pennell 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.
Limited-time: 2X votes ends on Wed 6/3 at 9PM PDT
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.
