1. What was the main idea, theme, or story behind this piece? 

With this piece, I sought to illustrate the confinement of the misrepresented subject through decadence, beautification, and the urbanized “labyrinth”. The mythological concept is constructed through ideological apparatuses that sustain a supposed “common sense,” which in turn minimizes the subject to that role, norm, or appearance. The Minotaur (situated passively after being an agent of violence) sits in his labyrinth as a result of these ideological conditions. The "myth" is that the Minotaur is merely monstrous and not a consequence of the hedonistic actions of the nobility and the divine.

2. What is your creative process? (How do you go about creating?) 

To begin my creative process, I studied Pedro Novoa's bronze sculpture, "Minotauro". From there I constructed the details of the framing, foliage, bees, and feather. I always paint the main subject first and move outward, since the rest of the painting is created in relation to his being. I chose to paint the Minotaur with one watercolor and one brush to show the general perception of his one-dimensionality, whereas the rest of the piece is painted with acrylic. 

3. Who or what has influenced you the most as an artist? 

Myths and music have influenced me the most as an artist. The minute details in a story that can be visually represented through metaphor are the most fun to brainstorm, especially in a piece with a definitive main character such as "The Fifteenth Tribute". I listen to my music as loud as possible and imagine the dynamic movement of the center-figure in tandem with the sound, so he comes to life in my mind. 

4. What is the significance of the title you chose? 

I titled my painting "The Fifteenth Tribute" in order to underscore the Minotaur's status as a prisoner in the labyrinth. I sought to portray the delegated executioner as a captive alongside the 14 Athenian youths sent to their demise at his hands, since his nature is itself a life sentence that lasts far longer than the lives of the tributes. The foundation of his life (that is, his imprisonment and identity) is his violence, which cyclical, inevitable, and the only characteristic that we see of him.