Artist Statement
I was born and raised in the South Bronx during the 70’s when it was burning down. Those days left indelible impressions in my mind and heart that I will cherish down till this day. Many of these memories included the sound of congas echoing off the project walls late into the summer evenings; Riding the trains to and from high school, which introduced me to an evolution of graffiti on subway cars that resembled art galleries on wheels. Then, there where the smells of our “comidas creoles de Puerto Rico” that permeated my native hallways.
My neighborhood was rich with Puerto Rican and African American culture. These elements brought excitement to my young imagination. Although people spoke abusively about the Bronx during the seventies, I found only good in my environment, much like “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids”.
These memories; these cultures rich in history, art, food, and dance, have influenced the way I paint with a potpourri of never ending subject matter. A subject matter filled with affection & storytelling; captured with an abundant use of light, darkness, and refracted colors that can only be provided by a place like... "The Bronx"
Honors & Awards
2018 THE BRONX BREWERY chooses one of my pieces for their, “Up & Comers” series
2018 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE at BRONX HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2014 Featured in the Documentary film, “Artistic Energy: The Bronx”
2014 Painting exhibited and chosen for Couture Design for “Bronx Fashion Week”
2011 Bohemia Beer adds First Prize painting to their Permanent collection
2011 First Prize in Bohemia Beers, “Kahlo Challenge”
2010 Healing Power of Art Completion, NYC – Special Award Winner
2004 15th Annual BRIO Award Grant (Bronx Council on the Arts)
2003 The New Rochelle Art Association – Third Prize
1996 &03 Manhattan Arts International – Award of Excellence
1993 Manhattan Arts International, Cover Competition – First Prize
1992 & 91 Capezio’s National Dance Week, Poster Competition – Third Prize
Riverdale Press: "An artist inspired to give Dance its Due"
