The two artists I drew inspiration from were Marcel Duchamp and Salvador Dali. Marcel Duchamp's taste for word play and punning is inspiration to say the least. I have long thought puns to be an unappreciated form of smart humor that I try to use in my everyday life. I incorporated word-play in my art by putting a manatee in sweet tea, thus making him a manaTEA.

The other artist I drew inspiration from was Salvador Dali. Salvador Dali's eccentric sense of style and curiosity towards the unconscious mind fascinates me. My art piece reflects Dali's surreal style in the concept behind the piece. A manatee would never really swim in tea, it's absurdity relates to Dali.

Though I drew inspiration from Dali and Duchamp, this piece is 100% authentically Kazan. I've always loved manatees, their gentle nature and plump physique melts my heart. Sweet tea is a staple in any southern woman's diet, unless you're my nana, she only drinks unsweet iced tea with two sweet-n-lows.