Creating art becomes a ritual of clarity—quieting noise, confronting self, and shaping meaning from chaos into something tangible and real.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My work lives on moving surfaces—skis, snowboards, and skate decks—but the focus remains the art itself. Each piece is built to carry texture, symbol, and atmosphere across shifting terrain, where imagery stretches, distorts, and evolves with motion. Rooted in wilderness, myth, and a quiet occult energy, the compositions are designed to feel alive—less like decoration, more like something that travels, endures, and reveals itself differently with every glance.
Where do you find inspiration?My inspiration is drawn from the rugged outdoors—the raw textures of alpine terrain, weather, and isolation—blended with the emotional weight of music and the depth of literature. Together, they shape a visual language that feels both grounded and atmospheric, where natural forms, rhythm, and narrative converge into work that carries mood, memory, and meaning beneath the surface.
What would you do with $25,000?I would use the $25,000 to begin building a sleep-away summer camp in southwest Colorado centered on extreme sports and art. The funds would go toward securing land access, essential gear, insurance, and initial staffing, creating a safe, structured environment for campers. The goal is to merge physical challenge with creative expression—offering a place where kids can build confidence, develop skills, and connect deeply with the outdoors and their own imagination.
Vote for Sherwood Smith 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.
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.