Illuminate the Way, 2018, Acrylic on canvas

Illuminate the Way was created to promote the Day of the Dead celebration event for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, Los Angeles. It commemorates the Latin American cultural festival embracing death as part of the cycle of life. We celebrate, honor, and remember loved ones who have passed away. We believe we are connected in this world and the next and one day we will be reunited with family and friends. Symbolism: SUN (light of the world), BUTTERFLY (new life), FLOWER (blood), WATER (sustenance), HONEY (the sweetness of life), MOTHER & CHILD (birth), FOOD (nourishment), HUMMINGBIRD (messengers) PEOPLE (gathering, remembering), FEAST (celebration).

Together with Hands Held High, 2013, Acrylic on canvas

This artwork was made for for El Dia del Maestro. It is a celebration of education where an entire village comes together to build empowered CommUNITY Leaders. At the bottom are the hands that nurture–the educators, parents, and community members. Together they weave a strong foundation from which each child is grounded. They empower students to reach for the stars, walk on their journey, plant seeds, nurture those seeds, and light their way. The child holds an open book representing his eagerness to learn. A key is unlocked and a tree of knowledge grows and surrounds him, like fruit

Rise Up! 2019, Acrylic and metallic pigments on canvas

Inspired by the writing of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, this painting is about conflict and the human struggle for power. It is about harmony and chaos, life and death, unity and division. It is about man's endurance, perseverance and awakening to his life song, "We are one body, Unity is our power." We must rise and stand together to protect and serve one another in love. We are all connected. As strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Let us celebrate our diversity and respect and honor our differences.

This artwork was originally created for “Upright Revolution, Casa 0101, Boyle Heights.”