Born in Lima, Perú, I was an introverted child in what seemed a very loud and busy country. I found refuge in drawing, painting, making comics, and jewelry. I was that kid who drew constantly, in notebooks, my dad's Bond paper, even on the walls! I spent countless hours in solitude doing something creative.
In my studio, I bounce between painting, drawing, and digital work the way I do between Spanish and English. I love language, too. I'm sure my bicultural upbringing is embedded in my work. I'm drawn to bold colors, shadow play, unique compositions, and realism.
My precise and tight rendering style is slowly being replaced by loose and quick brushstrokes, and I like it. In September, I challenged myself to create one painting a day before a local art event in my town. I created 20 paintings in 20 days! My new practice has heightened my observational skills tremendously and has brought back a sense of joy for painting.
I enjoy travel. Culture, history and the natural landscape inspire and inform my work. Memories from road trips across the US and recent international travel to Vietnam and Chiapas, Mexico can be spotted in my current paintings. I’m always seeking to learn more about the world around me.
I got my master’s from Cal State University and now I split my time between teaching drawing courses to college students and creating in my studio. I draw concepts from art history and give them a contemporary twist. I you catch me staring into space, it’s because I’m pondering my next composition.
I live with my family in Ventura, CA.