Laguna College of Art + Design

My work expresses my studies of the human form as well as my experiences with

acting. As an actor, I looked closely at human behavior, giving me insights into our shared

human experience and giving me the tools to express my own experiences through

performance. The actor brings life to the playwright’s characters, beyond what the author

could project onto the page. Actors must unitize their imagination to bring gesture and

animation to a character. This could also be said of visual arts. With drawing and painting, I

am looking for clues in my observations of people and nature to find nuances that convey

shared qualities in our humanity in each of my compositions. I began drawing portraits of

strangers in coffee shops in order to better my craft. Soon after, I turned to drawing and

painting friends and family members, experimenting with color to establish my personal

aesthetic as an artist. My work transformed yet again after joining the United States Army.

During my service, I drew portraits of soldiers and family members. I found myself inspired

each time I presented a portrait because I witnessed the personal connection that each

individual felt for their likeness. My goal as an artist is to always depict my subjects honestly

and with integrity. Ultimately, I came to realize that portraits are not static reflections, but

dynamic mirrors of emotions and experience.