I am inspired by the artist, Mark Harmon whose studio is in the River Arts District in Asheville, NC. I first encountered his work when I was a freshman at wilson in 2016. I was very moved by it then just as I am now. He started in realism and was classically traded in oil painting, but since has ventured out into abstract work. I believe his work now is very modern and enticing to a wider audience. From a business and practical standpoint, I think he went in the right direction artistically. You can tell that the artist is having more fun and free-spirited.

His work inspires me to branch out and try new methods. I want to explore abstract art, that like Mark, I can still create distinguishable imagery from. This piece is oil and acrylic and 24” x 18”. He is well established here in Asheville.

To make art for a living I believe that you have to play into your audience but not let that limit or define what you create. It is a fine balance and Mark Harmon has inspired me to do it well.