Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I create predominantly two dimensional works with acrylic paint and ink as well as watercolor. I often depict elements of nature in conjunction with the human form. Bright, bold colors and textures are a common characteristic within my work. I enjoy visual symbols that evoke complimentary pairs of emotions within the viewer and create work that I hope is able to do the same. A bright, childlike style may be complemented by rather macabre subject matter for example.

Where do you find inspiration?

I generally find inspiration in nature, people, and color. I strongly associate objects and emotions with colors and shapes which helps me decide how to best depict certain things within my artwork. I find inspiration just sitting on my balcony with a cup of tea and watching the sunset, but I also find inspiration while in a busy store surrounded by shapes and colors that may be useful to me. I try to be open to inspiration coming from literally anywhere and hitting me at literally any time.

What would you do with $25,000?

If I were to win this money I’d use it to fund my goal of becoming a tattoo artist. I’ve been interested in tattooing since before I can remember, and have studied it as a hobby for years. I worked in a tattoo studio before going to college and it was an absolutely awesome experience that taught me so much about the field of tattooing and how I could work towards becoming certified myself. I now live in a city with many tattoo schools, but can’t yet afford to attend.