Daffodils + Fireflies Painting

I am a Chicago-based artist best known for mixed media pieces that often combine digital technology with traditional mediums such as: pastel, acrylic, wax, gold leaf and photography. The work is rooted in my personal search for the sacred and divine that is frequently found in the indigenous cultures and rituals of Mexico. My approach is to create pieces layered with meaning beyond the obvious. Every component and image within each work has its own unique history. I purposefully combine them to tell a greater story that transcends the physical and touches the spiritual. This body of work is my way of bringing light into the darkness. It is inspired by long-held beliefs of Mexican culture, most notably from Catholicism, and the selfless legacy of saints. Through these pieces, I humbly attempt to reflect upon social issues that affect the most vulnerable among us today. In my "Awakening" series, I forever capture the ephemeral beauty of Spring blossoms and the ever-changing landscape. The intense Prussian blue adds depth and drama to the work, while my addition of spices, pastel, charcoal, marker, acrylic and watercolor add layers of texture and complexity. As I continue to explore the boundaries of this traditional medium, I delight in the spontaneous outcomes of my intuitive journey.