I am the second of three siblings, born in 1977. With a healthy case of "the middle child syndrome", I sought to carve out my place in the world. So luckily for me, art was something that came natural and allowed me to stand alone.
Art was the only subject that I excelled in throughout my early academic career. When my college years rolled around, that's what I majored in.
Completing college with a B.A. in Liberal Arts and certification in Photographic Studies, I went on to an apprenticeship with a local professional photographer. Having gained field experience in public relations photography, I earned extra income shooting birthday parties and other social events. However, the call to draw was never out of mind.
I believe that my personal experiences with social anxiety and depression have helped deepen and develop my artistic voice. I am able to view life with a less critical eye and with more empathy. I understand that people have many layers, masks, and intentions which is what I try to incorporate in my art. The many emotions that we display to the public and the ones we try to keep hidden; I try to expose in my acrylic paintings and colored pencil drawings.
I am aesthetically attracted to contrast, texture, bright colors, yet also subdued monochrome compositions. I enjoy experimenting with different ways to produce texture in each piece. Be it capturing smooth or porous texture of the human skin, or the rough leathery texture of a sea turtle.
My passion for detail, sense of humor, and fascination of facial expressions fuel my drive to create.