I am a Bay Area Mexican-American mixed-media artist, born in Ysleta, an Indian Reservation outside El Paso, Texas. Having spent many summers in Mexico as a child with numerous recent visits, I am drawn to address recollections and speak of my experiences growing up bi-culturally and of my appreciation for my roots by creating narratives that have depth and can provide a source of pride that compels the viewer to examine polarizing issues, particularly those who have experienced institutional racism, while becoming "American," as well as others who have lost their cultural identities through the generations.

     I celebrate the perseverance and richness of our Mexican culture in paintings, masks, installations, and altars to inspire pride. I address the theme of working immigrant mothers, "Las Madres," alongside

traditions and mythologies to empower our strengths and awareness and to stand for justice.

     My works are lyrical, mythical, and layered. They reveal stories of unity, hope, connection, celebration of women, gardens, and surrealism. The common thread running through my work is that I am seeking oneness among humanity, soil, and soul.

     My professional background in design and illustration also informs my work. I begin with sketches, which I bring onto my iPad using Procreate, and I refine and tightly construct my designs. Once printed, it is collaged onto a wood panel. To create the backgrounds, complex fields of color with textural effects created by scraping and sanding are followed by calligraphically rendered figures and complementary objects. Details are introduced with acrylic, charcoal, collaged fabric, lace, bits of paper, and found objects collected during the investigation to enrich the visual narrative. This is completed with oil and wax washes.