In the heart of California during the transformative 1990s, a spirited Latin-American woman stood as a testament to the resilience of her heritage. Her sleek ponytail, secured at the nape of her neck, complemented the angular lines of her face. Large eyeglasses framed her almond-shaped, deep brown eyes, adding an air of intellectual seriousness to her presence. The lenses caught glints of sunlight, sometimes obscuring the subtle emotions that flickered in her expressive gaze.

She projected an aura of quiet strength that drew people in. Her words were measured, her tone resolute, and her gaze penetrating. Her cautionary look hinted at a history of navigating complex situations, making her approachable yet guarded. Raised by hard working Latino immigrant parents, she was a living bridge between generations—a product of their aspirations and the vibrant culture they carried. Her activism became a celebration of her roots, a testament to the strength and unbreakable spirit of her people.

As the shadows of Proposition 187 darkened the state, casting a cloud of prejudice and division, she found herself at the forefront of demanding change and urging unity. Chicano Park emerged as a sacred ground for her and her community—a space where art became a form of resistance, and culture was a means of resilience. Against the backdrop of colorful murals, she found a place of belonging. In the face of adversity, her identity and empowerment flourished, and the bonds of community proved unbreakable.

Creative writing credit: Hattie Stearns

The background is established from multiple layers of acrylic paint, applied with a mix of intentionality and spontaneity. Splashes and scrapes create dynamic textures and colors, blending control with organic expression.

Once the background is done, I add a layer of resin and sand it smooth, establishing a sense of depth and separation from the next element—whether it's a stenciled message, textured gold leaf, or another feature. This process of layering resin continues, each layer adding distance and dimension between elements.

The portrait references are developed collaboratively with AI, using a blend of inspiration imagery. I guide the AI to refine the lighting, expression, and mood, crafting a unique visual starting point. A halftone effect is added in Photoshop to prepare the reference.

From there, I map out the portrait at full scale using a grid and a stencil with different-sized circles. I sketch it in pencil first, then fill in every dot by hand with acrylic paint. I intentionally avoid methods like silk-screening or projection that might speed up or perfect the process.

To me, it's the subtle imperfections—the human touch—that resonate most deeply, capturing the essence of the human condition and infusing the work with authenticity.

1949 Logan Avenue, c. 1994

Original / one of one

40 x 52 x 3”

Acrylic, golf leaf and resin on canvas with handmade frame