Art allows me to make sense of this world. It is through art I am able to

confront the challenges which come my way; therefore exploring my identity.

I have a BA in Art and Spanish Language & Cultural Studies. I continue to explore

various artistic mediums —from drawing to film— on an international scale.

 

My educational, professional, and personal backgrounds reflect my interests

in all people and the different culture’s in a community. I am especially interested

in their unique narratives.

Authentic friendships and interchanging stories with others compel me.

I relocated back to the Midwest in order to be closer to my family, but prior to

that I lived in Guatemala. I spent most of my time in Central America painting

murals, working with digital media on cultural preservation projects, and leading

groups of women and youths through the artistic process. I hope to continue to

chronicle their stories and demonstrate the similarities of our human condition.

 

The most common comment I hear upon returning is, “Wow, Guatemala must

be so different!” The differences are definitely apparent when comparing two

landscapes and cultures, yet the reason I stayed was the similarities. Our world

embraces diversity and uniqueness; however it uses our differences to create a divide. The realization that another human being and I share the same desire for happiness, whatever our definition of happiness may be, creates a kinship.

While things may seem different outwardly, I stay attracted to what is familiar inwardly.  

 

My storytelling style is comprised of bold colors and gestures. Often a piece starts with objective imagery and the emotions are conveyed through said colors and gestures. Some of my photo series have centered on the human condition amidst various backgrounds, such as:  nature, war, family, news, culture, religion, immigration, sustainability.

I aim to find the joy and beauty in even the most challenging realities, and convey this through my work.  The visual sense has the power to influence many, especially in its almost automatic emotional response. Rather than following the cliché of sad and depressing art, why can’t we view the same subject matter through a positive prism?

 

After the dark skies of a thunderstorm, a rainbow across the sky brings awe to almost anyone. Is that the only way for these colors can elicit such a reaction? Can a painting with red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet make someone smile, even if just on the inside?