I grew up in the New Orleans area and was involved with art most of my life. I was in the talented art program beginning in first grade and eventually attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts as well as the University of New Orleans. Katrina interrupted my college education, but it educated me on so much more in life. My work is influenced by the magical realness of my life in New Orleans and Southeastern Louisiana. I enjoy expressing myself through painting , music and video as well. I have exhibited all over Louisiana, NYC, and Oakland.
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Questions & Answers
Describe your art in three words.
Energetic , balanced, vibrant
Describe yourself in one word.
Unique
What do you love the most about creating art in your community? What particular part of your immediate environment, in your neighborhood specifically influences your work?
I would have to say the beautiful variety of plants and trees that thrive in our subtropical below sea level landscape as well as the colorful , unique people that make up our city. Amazing energy!
Describe your creative process. Are there any rituals or rites of passage you exercise before you begin a new piece?
I sometimes begin pieces using rain water ,or any water and I treat my surface like it’s a new planet or space for me to form and workout whatever I’m going through. An unknown , undiscovered place for me to explore and find something totally unique. With my mixed media methods I kindve created clouds or lands for me to explore and discover things in my subconscious.
Where do you draw inspiration?
I heavily draw influence from everything I feel Lol. Energy, people, art , music, food, surroundings, the landscape .
Who are your artistic influences or gurus?
I really love other Asian American artists like James Jean, David Choe , Esau Andrews as well as surrealists like Frida Kahlo, Max Ernst. I really enjoy so many types of art. Aaron Horkey is another favorite. Local arts it’s that I love are Ron Bechet, Cheryl Hayes, Dave Greber, Angel Perdomo, and others I’m forgetting right now. Also the recent Wangechi Mutu show at NOMA was amazing and one of the best shows I’ve seen.
Art and music go hand in hand. What type of music, band or song lyric best describes your work?
Dang this is a tough one. Maybe Spirit of the Beehive because they’re described as collage rock.
Where can we find you when you are not creating art?
Parks, movie, theatres, concerts, my cave of solitude
What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?
I am a spring baby and enjoy the spring time in May around my birthday and jazz fest. There’s never a shortage of amazing converts to catch around that time.
