I work with an ancient material to address my contemporary experience. Through the creation of guardian figures, tomb sculptures, and shrines, I depict my community current and forthcoming. I hope to bring these objects—ancient relics that transcend time—into the present. They carry hope and loss, acceptance and challenge, ornament and simplicity.

I am a visual artist and ceramic sculptor who draws on inspiration from my Mexican American upbringing and experience with global travel. Visualized with ornament, humor and reverence for cultural celebration, my art builds bridges between cultures and connections to the past, present, and future. I draw visual inspiration from Funk Ceramics, Pre-Columbian statuary and a variety of festivals. I’m drawn to stories that carry a moral narrative and colorful cast of characters. I take these external influences and mix them together with my personal and cultural histories to create a new representation of myself and the world around me.  

I love decoration! I enjoy how heavy decoration can seem parasitic, yet it beckons to be adored and looked at. The more intently you look, the more rewarding it will be. As James Trilling writes in his book, The Language of Ornament, decoration’s sole purpose is to give pleasure. I want my art to be pleasurable. I also want my art to be a conduit for connection.

Clay is a material uniquely tactile and malleable. I utilize this material for its versatility, cultural significance, and resiliency. Clay allows me to work intuitively and rapidly as I attempt to translate my ideas into something tangible. Even as my interests have been expanding to include public sculpture and the creation of communal gathering spaces, clay is a material that is easily translated into, concrete, bronze, aluminum, and durable tile.  This versatility allows me to continue to find ways to be challenged.