Biography

 I am a native of Denver, and I am a second-generation Coloradan. I grew up in  northwest Denver in a predominantly Chicano community. I Studied at Rocky Mountain School of Art in Denver where the curriculum emphasized both Advertising art and drawing and painting, anatomy and such. While pursuing a career in advertising art, I informally studied ancient Mexican cultures developing a fascination with Mayan and Aztec art. Additionally, imagery from later Mexican history, New Mexico and Colorado history and my personal urban Chicano experience comprise my greatest influence on my art. These images are always in the back of my mind as they represent my heritage and the have a beauty and simplicity that show me great potential in my own endeavors. From these sources I draw much of my inspiration.
       
Although I am a self-taught welder, I was influenced by anciano Chicano artist Moises Sanchez, who, at age 78, was still creating welded steel art, one of the first to do so. I decided to try my hand in it. As a natural extension of this I began collecting many types of materials; bed frames, auto parts, tools and office furniture, and stacks of scrap metal where I could visualize shapes, bends, angles and curves that I might incorporate in to my next project. This also led to my interest in mixed media while all the time keeping my hand in drawing and painting.