I was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New Orleans in 1978. What was a traumatic experience as an adolescent, it soon became a love for a city that has become part of who I am as a person and as an artist.

My father was an artist and I grew up in a world of color and expression. Back then I knew I had a voice but I didn’t have a direction. It wasn’t until I was in my 30’s that I decided to get some art instruction thinking that it would guide me in the direction I needed to go. Although I learned some necessary basics, I soon realized that what I loved most about painting was the freedom to create in different ways without rules or pre-conceived ideas. I thus decided to continue learning on my own by trying things out, making many mistakes, and loving the unexpected results.

Since then my voice has changed in infinite ways. Life experiences have taught me to let go and express my feelings through my paintings. There’s a voice in my heart that is screaming to be heard and most of the time I’m not aware of what I’m doing…I put the the canvas on the floor and I walk around it, where I can be a part of “it.”

My hope is that when you look at my paintings, you first become attracted to the colors…but then I hope you pay attention and look beyond. I thrive in symbology and even the smallest strokes or pieces of metal can have a significant meaning - and maybe not just my meaning - your meaning. For when you look at a painting, what you see and feel is entirely your HEART.

Describe your art in three words.

Colorful, symbolic, spiritual

Describe yourself in one word.

Embracing

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 love the spirituality that New Orleans exudes everywhere you look. I try to capture that energy, that sense of embracing others and other things without judgment.

Describe your creative process. Are there any rituals or rites of passage you exercise before you begin a new piece?

My studio days always begin with a little ritual of incense burning or herb and spices. I always have music in the background and the type of music depends on my mood. It can be anything from instrumental guitar, vocal gypsy music or latin salsa. If I'm starting a new piece then I meditate on the painting and sort of get an idea of what I will try to convey.

Where do you draw inspiration?

I am blessed to be able to travel all over the world several times a year. While my husband is attending meetings, I usually escape and go walking, usually to find flea markets, old churches...that's where you find the interesting neighborhoods and people - away from tourists. That's where I get my inspiration.

Who are your artistic influences or gurus?

My biggest influence and inspiration is Frida Kahlo. I still remember many years ago visiting Mexico City and becoming acquainted with her work. I then visited her house and listened to the things she went through, and her way of expressing her pain via her paintings. Yet, her desire to live and produce beautiful work was admirable and it actually changed me. Her life story inspired me to overcome my adversities and embrace the difficult as well as the beautiful.

Where can we find you when you are not creating art?

I live in a beautiful 100+ year old house in the historic section of Hattiesburg. I inherited the garden when I bought the house and whenever I can escape the studio or have the need to exercise my bones (haha), you can find me working in the garden. Working with plants restores or re-balances my "center." I love it.

What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?

When I worked in corporate America, Mondays were dreadful. Now, Mondays are my favorite. I always try to start a new project on Mondays and continue working on it throughout the week. It's the day I envision what I'll be working on. My favorite time of day is mornings. I also have a beautiful sunroom that I religiously visit every morning with my cup of coffee and smile. As far as my favorite month...being latin I love the warmth. Spring and summers are my favorite. Now if I could just have a nearby beach....

What is something people don’t know about you? A fun fact. 

Hmmm...when I was maybe 5 years old, I got lost in the middle of huge fair in Puerto Rico. While my parents have always described that event as totally terrifying to them, I loved every second of it. Even back then I was totally comfortable walking around by myself, but someone did find me and brought me to the main stage where I hung out with the singers and performers, before my parents saw me on the stage and came to get me. To me it was an amazing experience.

All works listed online are available to be viewed at Where y’Art Works Gallery by appointment.

My Encaustic Abstract Flowers can also be seen at Abode Interior Design in Metairie, LA.

Please allow 7 -14 days shipping for standard orders. All packages are shipped within the Continental United States through the USPS via Priority Mail with Tracking. For international shipping prices, rush orders or commissions, login and send me a private message through the messaging tool on my profile page.