I spent time in Florence Italy studying and being there gave me an immense appreciation for the old masters. I have been drawn to the sketches and silverpoint works of Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo since I was a child, but to experience their work in person was a spiritual gateway for myself. Coming back to the states and the great city of Chicago I cannot help but combine elements of the Renaissance with what we call Modernism. My work is about finding a balance between the two.

Inspiration can be found in unexpected conversations, walks alone through the city, or intentful research in an academic or museum setting. I find that talking to other artists about what we are aiming to create becomes the most prominent form of inspiration one can access. I choose to work in both fine art and fashion so I can talk to different types of artists. This keeps my process and direction open ended.

The money would be used to acquire studio space closer to my family, and my home state of New Jersey. I would use the money to pay for the space, hire live models, as well as a small marketing team for my clothing brand. Remaining money would be used to establish a new collection of garments and paintings. My process begins with things like repurposing fabric, and buying paint so the funding from The People's Artist would be used entirely on facilitating my professional growth and inventory.