Tell us about you and your work

I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and raised in New York metro area. I was never the popular kid at school. I was too much of a non-conformist. I was artistic yes and incredibly rebellious. I was a “punk" teenager (someone part of the punk scene) not angry and aggressive, but rather questioned why things are the way they are. I learned that sometimes, you face difficulties not because you’re doing something wrong, but because you’re doing something right.

As an artist my work has to have to something to say - there’s a history, there’s a story, there’s a relevance, there’s a sense of place; a connection to my roots that brings to mind Magic Realism, Caribbean travel posters, Santeria shrines, a Quinceañera celebration, and Latin album cover art. I love the rhythm of repetition and pattern, complex color contrasts and the human form. One of my artistic goals is to explore the boundary between "high and low art" treading the line from “enough to never enough.” I mean, it’s all these things layering and interfacing all at the same time.

What inspires you?

On a daily basis, I’m inspired by the unconventional, the misunderstood, the fantastical risk-takers, the fictional villains, and by the great stories of survival and perseverance. It’s the non-conformist that pushes the boundaries. Regarding my art practice, I follow my intuition. Feelings often contain wise messages. If you don’t add hard work, discipline, courage, and patience into the mix, your inspiration is as useful as your appendix.

What does community mean to you?

For me, it was finding my tribe (intuitive relationships) and choosing those people wisely that I wanted to be a part of my life because they added value. The first step to finding people like yourself is to show up as yourself – not trying to be someone you are not. We all need people who encourage us to show up unpolished and in process. You can connect with anyone and everyone if there is passion and honesty in your emotions.

Favorite film

Some people say it’s the first one that pops into your mind. But then they’ve never been in my mind. I don't think that it is possible to have only one favorite movie. “Some Like It Hot” starring Marilyn Monroe is my favorite Romantic Comedy of all time. As well as being a romantic comedy, a have your friends’ back and they will have your movie, a crime caper, and a musical, the film is an anthem in praise of tolerance, acceptance, being your authentic self, and the possibility of transformation. Empowerment, not by the goal, but rather the journey itself and our integral participation with life. It’s an anthem that we need to hear now more than ever.

Favorite song

Like the sense of smell, songs are highly evocative and can bring back memories of significant times, places, and people. That being said, the song that transports me to a magical place and time is Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe’s “Che Che Cole.” A song highlighting our African roots. One of Willie and Hector's biggest hits - arrangement Johnny Pacheco...WEPA!

Favorite place

I have two equally favorite places. One: Being in my studio letting it all come out and come through while listening to music. There is a mysterious relationship between painting and making music. The two activities seem to feed one another. My Orishas, as well as my Espiritismo altar, are in my studio, it’s a sacred place. Second: Reminiscing with my mom, in her kitchen, drinking café con leche, eating pan con mantequilla, and listening to La Lupe – priceless.