About

When I was little, I was terrified of speaking in front of people. My grandma and mom would always push me to express myself in other ways and that is how I fell into sketching. It was such a safe space for me. I could just lose myself in it for hours.  Gradually, I grew up and talking in front of people became a little less terrifying. In high school, I became fascinated with just using a pencil. Usually artists will sketch out with a pencil but layer on paint and colors and the pencil gets overlooked. But I wanted to make something beautiful with something simple. I watched videos on YouTube, followed hyperrealistic artists online and kept practicing to improve my techniques. I started focusing on details in my art. While I was working at a nursing home, Im not sure what the scout saw in me carrying the trash out, but somehow I end up with a contract with Wilhelmina, a modeling agency. For once, I began loving my height and being more extroverted. Modeling shaped my views on art. Designers are meticulous about how clothing should fall on us. Expression was critical on the runway, every flex of muscle, every footstep, the way you turned on the catwalk and how your clothes breathed on your body. They made us into walking works of art. Expression, detail, shadows and light I wanted all of these things to be in my sketches as well. Modeling provided me with the confidence to command a room without saying a word. In college I perfected my skills, working with TEDx fellows and fundraisers.  When I got into dental school, the details, and hand skills that I had acquired helped me so much. Our procedures have to be carried out with the utmost attention to detail. Art throughout every stage of my life has become a safe place that reminds me of being with my grandma, sitting on her bed with her beside me encouraging me. Im still working on confidence especially after she passed away but I am trying. Art isn't limited to a medium. It's not something that everyone has to agree is beautiful. For me it means safety and passion. It's something that allows me to share who I am. The details, time, process and love all came through different experiences in my life. And this is why no one's art looks the same. Art doesn't become amazing if someone else says it is. Art is strengthened from what you invest in it. That's what is most important.