My favorite type of art to create is mixed media nature-inspired abstracts and landscapes. This type of art would include resin and pigments to create depth and flow while also using upcycled materials like glass, rocks, sand, or anything with texture. I'm most at home when I'm bridging the gap between raw natural beauty and modern techniques.

The detail of nature and the textures that most people walk by are where I find my inspiration. The way water ripples, how the trees grow, the layers of geodes, the jagged edges of crystals or the vein patterns in natural stones. My environment plays a massive role in my creations, living in the Midwest provides me with a constant visual change in my surroundings. Finding a piece of upcycled material can challenge me to take something discarded and transform to a high-end mixed media art piece.

With a $25,000 grant I would focus on my production, deepening my environmental impact, and upgrading my studio space. I would use this grant to help build my brand but to also use for my community here in Fairmont, MN. Funding would go towards materials and other artist to help create water conservation and lake pollution public murals. As one of the art directors for the new studio and gallery opening soon, I would use the funding for materials and classes to teach the youth of our town.