Growing up a poor Queer Mexican kid from Nebraska, so much seemed impossible for me; things like art and education secondary to survival. The world needs more diverse voices, and I have one. I believe that showing up and being part of the conversation is a brave, radical act for the marginalized.

My work seeks to give new perspectives on themes of “urban youth,” stereotypes, borders, forgotten labor and uncelebrated histories. Being an artist is a unique privilege, and to that end, I honor the opportunity by pushing the boundaries of what art can be by uplifting unconventional materials like construction materials, tarps, scrap, utility and repurposed wood. These choices honor manual labor and questions distinctions between high and low art.

I am interested in exploring the ideas of diaspora and the machismo/masculine through the male and Queer gaze. Use of color and varying degrees of control invite contemplation about artistic tradition, gender roles and stigma. This has taken the form of woodworked censor bars, large inviting paintings of chihuahuas and portraits of the Latinx/Latino community.