Art lets me express what I can’t explain in words. I’ve always been drawn to it; creating feels so natural, I can’t imagine anything else.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My art has evolved from metal work to figurative sculpture and now a blend of all three through wood carving. I love creating animals with human traits in everyday scenes, and people often connect with a character that feels like theirs. One of my favorite pieces is a turtle playing croquet on a clock face, with that same whimsical, fairy tale, nature inspired feel. My work ranges from folk and festival art to higher end commissioned pieces which provide a wide range of creative work for me.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in the old masters like Michelangelo and Bernini, as well as in nature and everyday life experiences. I’m always drawn to projects that push my skills, trying new techniques and figuring out how to bring an idea to life. For example, my turtle and rabbit sculptures were inspired by my own conflicting experiences of being pressed for time and feeling that I have plenty of time. That type of challenge fuels my creativity.
What would you do with $25,000?As a rural artist, I often face limited local art markets, lower demand for art, and constant travel costs to reach larger shows and new collectors. With $25,000, I could take a year to focus on creating art and building my art business, attending larger shows, reaching new markets, and upgrading equipment. Living in a rural area limits access to resources, so this support would help me compete in bigger art markets, grow my brand, and move closer to becoming a full‑time artist.
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