Inspiration:

The inspiration for this piece is Dia de los Muertos. In my culture, we celebrate, remember and pray for our loved ones who have died.

What role does art play in your life?

At this time, I'm really enjoying painting, both watercolor and acrylic. It's therapeutic for me, especially mixing paints and creating my own colors. I'm challenging myself to do portraits and capture expressions. I'm inspired to create art that tells a story through an image.

Artist statement:

I grew up in South Minneapolis. Art has always been a part of my life. From acting in plays with the Chicago Avenue Project, dancing with my Soul Sistas, to spray painting a mural at St. Vincent de Paul on Lake Street, exchanging art journals with youth in Guatemala to flying out to visit them and painting a mural with them. Art has connected me to many opportunities including a community of open-minded, creative, talented and vibrant artists. My inspirational artist is Frida Kahlo.