About:

My work is a mixture of influences, experiences, and dreams. I enjoy drawing, painting, and learning. Candy boards are also fun to set up; please enjoy this sugary photo.

Although I identify with Mexican and nerd culture, it was a tricky line to navigate the two. Growing up I was part of a handful of children with immigrant parents in a predominately Anglo town, and had to figure out how to assimilate into an environment that conflicted with the complexities of identity and gender expectations. I was an outsider on both ends, totally a “ni de aqui ni de alla” situation. Art, comics, and videogames provided an outlet to explore the possibilities of what could be achieved, free from any preconceptions of the limitations of ethnicity and gender.

As I explored and developed my interests, and moved into public spaces I faced discrimination and on the opposite end of the spectrum, tokenism, based on people’s assumptions of me. It was when I found other people that also didn’t fit into societal expectations but tried every day to be the best version of themselves, a welcoming group that provided encouragement and accountability that I found both my alignment and inspiration. We bounced ideas off each other, accepted our faults, and motivated each other to improve. The genuine connection and support is what keeps me going.

Identity to me is multifaceted, as we are all a combination of our environment and experiences. What I feel is important is to have a sense of community and a space to feel secure that our voices will not be stifled or misappropriated.

My belief is that art doesn’t just have to be something nice that hangs on a wall. Art does not have to play by arbitrary rules as the primary function is that of expression. Art can be created in various forms and styles which have the capacity to start conversations, transcend barriers, and inspire others.

The materials used in my work are to visually portray the subversion of tradition and expectations, as well as to explore what makes things surreal or unsettling. By using “colores alegres” (cheerful colors), it brings a feeling of softness for the beautifully bizarre.

Also a big middle finger to those that refuse to view craft as its own art.