Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I especially enjoy creating graphite portraits. I love the "old-fashioned" feel of black and white, and how much depth you can create through shadows and tones of gray. I like the precision and detail that I can achieve through working with pencil. It allows me to capture even the smallest details on a subject, like the hairs on a dog's nose or the glimmer in someone's eye. Graphite reminds me of old black-and-white photographs, and of a simpler time than the one we live in.

Where do you find inspiration?

Being in nature inspires me the most. I am a rock climber, so I spend a lot of time outdoors. I have always loved creatures of all sizes, and I appreciate the symbiotic relationship between animals and humans. Most of all, I enjoy creating art that captures a special moment in someone's life. Their first car, their first home, or a beloved pet that passed away. Anything with soul that can be put onto paper. This is what I always strive for.

What would you do with $25,000?

$25,000 would give me the opportunity to go back to school for art and continue to learn and grow as an artist. When I was younger, I chose a different path because I didn't believe that I could make a living doing what I love. $25,000 would allow me to put my 9-5 job on hold, and would give me the time to focus solely on creating art without the financial struggle that I know many artists understand so well.