Born and raised in Los Angeles.
Creativity has been a long-standing tradition in my family across multiple generations. On my mother’s side, my great-grandfather was a skilled jeweler from Long Beach, known for his craftsmanship. Following in his footsteps, my grandmother possessed remarkable talent as a classically trained oil painter and illustrator. For 25 years, she served as a docent at the esteemed Los Angeles County Museum of Art. On my father’s side, my grandmother displayed incredible proficiency as a craftswoman and seamstress, which she pursued until her passing at the age of 89.
Both of my parents, who are Art Center College of Design alumni and acclaimed graphic designers, transitioned into fine art later in their careers. They have extensively showcased their work throughout Southern California. Their artistic endeavors have greatly influenced my perception of art, culture, communication, integrity, and ingenuity. Growing up, I have always been surrounded by originality, artistic expression, creative problem-solving, effective communication, loyalty, perseverance, and inspiration. Consequently, I believe these traits are ingrained within me and have become my strong suits.
My affinity for art developed at an early age, engaging in drawing and painting whenever I had the opportunity. However, my greatest joy during childhood stemmed from playing with Legos. Hours on end, I would hunch over a massive box, constructing scenes, fantastical vehicles, sci-fi spaceships, and much more. Being raised in Los Angeles, I was immersed in a culture centered around movies and passionate film enthusiasts. It was here that I became an ardent fan myself, watching movies like Star Wars, Blade Runner, District 9, Mad Max, Alien, I Am Legend, A.I., the Iron Giant, GATTACA, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Matrix, Waterworld, and countless others. These cinematic experiences defined my passions and later served as a wellspring of inspiration for my artistic pursuits.
During my final year of high school, I delved deeper into my artistic journey by enrolling in an independent AP-3D studio class. This marked the beginning of my diverse range of works, which I continued to explore during my initial years at Portland Community College. Alongside my studies, I secured an apprenticeship with a local master welder and fabricator named Rob Roy. This opportunity further ignited my love and enthusiasm for metalworking, fabrication, welding, and the innovative use of reclaimed materials to create fresh and captivating objects.
Eventually, my path led me back to California, where I pursued my higher education at California State University, Long Beach. Graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors, I obtained my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus on 3D Media, specifically metals. The culmination of my academic journey manifested in my defining senior thesis exhibition titled “Objects from a Dying World.”
Through my artistic endeavors, I discovered a profound passion for crafting objects that blend functionality with sculptural aesthetics. I strive to create works that inhabit a realm between science fiction and post-apocalyptic environments, serving as a beacon of warmth and positivity in an otherwise seemingly dark world inundated with negative information, particularly in the aftermath of 2020.