Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

My favorite is mixed media, as it allows me to take disparate parts and create something unique and relatable. I specialize in gemstone tapestries on satin organza and fabric sculptures that celebrate cultural preservation—like my "Koi" piece, which honors the spirit of advancement and greatness. I also enjoy "box board art," where I use the simple complexity of engineered cardboard to create a dialogue that invites the viewer to interpret their own truth from my line art.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in the tension between tradition and personal truth. My work is often a response to cultural rituals, such as scarification or the evolution of the kimono, seeking to honor the beauty and unity of these traditions while stripping away harmful elements. I am inspired by the humble beginnings of materials—like cardboard or simple fabric—and the "simple complexity" of the world around us. My Symbol Dictionary also serves as a constant guide for my creative flow.

What would you do with $25,000?

This acknowledgment would provide the foundation to sustain my life as a full-time creator. I would use the funds to secure high-quality supplies—specifically diverse gemstones and specialized fabrics—and to scale the production of my interdisciplinary pieces. Most importantly, it would allow me the time and space to deepen the Plush Universe, ensuring that my art continues to serve as a meaningful historical record and a tool for self-care and inspiration for my community.