my story

I am inspired by the beauty of refinement — the distillation of simple forms from simple materials. Each new idea involves hours of careful design consideration, prototyping, reworking, and honing. Each part of the process is integral to my connection to the materials and the work I produce. I genuinely enjoy problem solving and artistically expressing my unique view of common objects.

As long as I can remember, I have been surrounded by art and creation. I come from a diverse and blended history of Mexican immigration and Midwest pioneering — of sculptors, painters, and musicians. My mother’s and grandparents’ houses were always filled with interesting objects they had collected, and they often took us on summer trips to Mexico.

The materiality of the objects I create is important to me. My mother was an artist and always encouraged my brother and me to experiment with the materials we had around the house and her workspace. We were always supported and encouraged to explore the creative world around us.

I have always been drawn to artmaking in all forms. Before pursuing the visual arts, I spent four years studying Opera Vocal Performance. However, I realized that the life of a stage performer wasn’t for me, so I headed to the Kansas City Art Institute to study Industrial Design. Whether I was aware of it or not, it seemed inevitable that I would end up at KCAI as both by mother and brother had honed their own artistic voices there.

While I pursued my degree, I was surrounded by other creative minds, which helped me expand my own. I was employed as a technician in the central shop where I became more deeply interested in the medium of wood, and its rewarding challenges. These parallel journeys helped form my connection with, and love for, both problem solving and craft.

Throughout my creative process, I strive to showcase the beauty of the material. The quality of wood, unexpected grain patterns, and varied colors and textures are all sculptural qualities waiting to be revealed. I enjoy the process of uncovering these hidden aspects through thoughtful shaping and honing. I also find satisfaction in how the finished object feels in my hands: the weight, texture, and even smell of natural materials are unique to each item.

I put great care into crafting each piece, and I hope that when you hold your Pencil and Saw creation, you will feel a part of the same connection I do.