"How in the world did this artwork get first place?"
I’m still in awe as I reflect on the unexpected blessing of winning 1st place in the CCAN competition with Camel in Jericho. "CCAN is a national juried art competition of the Center for Contemporary Arts in Downtown Abilene. In 2024 this national competition received over 315 entries submitted from over 30 states across the United States. 157 works were selected for exhibition in the Center’s Jane Adams Breed Gallery and Gallery 3. " Honestly, it wasn’t even the piece I thought would stand out. I submitted multiple works, described below, fully expecting another piece to resonate more with the judges, but God had other plans. When I heard my name called for first place, I was completely overwhelmed with gratitude, and shock, as this was my least strong piece in my personal opinion. It was a humbling reminder that God’s blessings often come when we least expect them and in ways we never imagined. This win wasn’t just about recognition—it was confirmation to trust in His timing and purpose. Art has always been a personal journey of expression and faith for me, and this experience has deepened that connection. I’m beyond thankful for this incredible honor and excited to see how God continues to guide and surprise me in my creative journey.
Camel in jericho
From elementary age on, I've used art as a vital constant in my life, a therapeutic and expressive outlet to navigate ADHD and dyslexia. It has allowed me to channel the assets of ADHD and the visual and spatial strengths that counterbalance the difficulties of dyslexia into a variety of artworks. Each piece is a way to showcase my oddness, confront and reconcile inner complexities, highlight the dichotomies in life, or celebrate the beauty in God's creations, allowing me to communicate what I struggle to express in words. "Camel in Jericho" depicts a camel draped in colorful textiles, hiding behind a roadside drink stall in a sunlit, empty street. This candid moment highlights the juxtaposition of commercialism and nature, highlighting the contrasts within a cityscape.
Cypress Siren
Art for me is more than an escape; it's a way to celebrate the beauty in God's creations, allowing me to communicate what I struggle to express in words. This photograph was taken in the Cypress Gardens of South Carolina, where the iconic rowboat scene from The Notebook was filmed. I had the model dress in all white to symbolize the bride and pay homage to the movie; however, I had her standing alone to show the strength and resilience of one woman, who isn’t defined by her marital status. In my own way, I wanted to redefine the narrative associated with this venue to be one of self love.
Revelation 12
Art, for me, is also a way to confront and reconcile inner complexities, highlight the dichotomies in life, or celebrate the beauty in God's creations, allowing me to communicate what I struggle to express in words. This piece is no exception; it not only explores, but helps me express my faith, reflecting deep spiritual themes through symbolic visuals. Revelation 12, the piece I considered my strongest, represents the apocalyptic vision as described in scripture with light-reactive elements. It depicts celestial and infernal motifs, reflecting the cosmic battle and prophetic symbols of the scripture. With the UV light off, it represents what we, as humans, can see, limited in color and complexity. Once illuminated, it reveals a surreal exploration of faith, prophecy, and the previously unseen spiritual battle.
