I create art, it’s a beautiful way to connect. I make art that is interactive for the viewer to engage and reflect on their experiences.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I love to make work that inspires and connects with people no matter their background. Art that can be touch and heard is something I’ve been working on a lot lately. I want my work to bring people to a moment, a memory they are familiar with. Making work so the viewer can connect with my experiences and for me being able to connect with the viewer.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in everyday life. Looking at nature and old photographs are mainly how I start the process of creating work. I often look to my old childhood photos to think about memory and time. What I was feeling in the moment. Each texture, smell, emotional feeling. In nature I observe closely, looking at every texture on rock, mushroom, bark. The natural world is what inspires me most.
What would you do with $25,000?I am currently about to graduate with a BFA in metalsmithing in spring 2026. The prize money would be life changing! To be able to start my professional career and afford tools that I would be able to get otherwise. I am planning to start collecting equipment for my own studio space. This would help me be able to keep doing what I love.
Vote for Stella Chegwidden 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.
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