Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I would consider myself a mixed media artist, oscillating between polymer clay sculptures, printmaking, fiber arts and painting. My most successful work is when I combine multiple media to create layers of meaning. There is always a layer of grit to my work, providing a look under the surface into my life. The images I create are individual surreal worlds, combining visuals that are surprising yet work seamlessly.

Where do you find inspiration?

As an artist the surreal chaos evident in my work comes from my experience as a high school art educator. The multiple perspectives of my students varying and unique life experiences, as well as the business of the classroom drives my work forward. I also am always inspired by immersing myself in the art world, staying up to date with contemporary artists. I love to consume large amounts of art content and distill what I see through my own perspective.

What would you do with $25,000?

I would invest most of the money into my classroom to enrich my students experience. I have always have had a dream of starting a community studio space where I could teach others, where people can come to work and inspire each other. I feel that the cost of art supplies makes people feel like it’s precious and coveted. I with money to put towards high quality supplies it would be freeing, and allow me to explore more of my ideas without constraints.