Artwork title: “A Cat’s Passing Time”

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

For this piece, I wanted to recreate a candid photo of one of my pets. I feel deeply connected to this painting because it captures not only a moment in my cat’s day, but also a bonding moment I get to share with them; a break from a busy day. During these moments, I’m able to relax, connect, and enjoy the scenery that is often forgotten in the midst of daily life. For me, these moments serve as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature, offering a pause from the harsher realities of society.

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

For this painting, I used acrylic paint and worked with a tetradic color scheme. Using this type of color scheme encouraged me to be more intentional and disciplined with my color choices, while still exploring a range of colors for both the subject and the environment.

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

I have always felt a strong connection to nature and animals, usually seeing them as inspiration but also as focus for self reflection and grounding. Through my art, I work to capture and reflect the balance of serenity and  simplicity.

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

I chose this title because my cats, one of which is featured in the painting, can often be found near a window, either watching the outside world or simply basking in the sunlight. The title reflects these quiet, passing moments in their day, where time seems to slow down and nothing else demands their attention. It also reflects my own experience. When I sit with my cats in these moments, there is a pause where struggles feel smaller and meaningful breaks emerge from the busyness of everyday life. By naming the piece A Cat’s Passing Time, I wanted to emphasize how even the simplest routines, such as sitting in the sun or looking out a window, can hold a deep sense of peace and presence.

5. Is there anything more you’d like our readers/viewers to know about you or your work? 

My artwork serves as a gentle reminder that even in the busiest or most stressful times, there is always an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with the environment around us, appreciating the quiet beauty that exists in everyday life and within ourselves. I also hope viewers can find a sense of comfort, familiarity, or even nostalgia within my work.

Artwork Title: “Our Roots”

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

The main theme of this piece is centered around the question, “What does resilience look like to you?” In my work, I aimed to represent resilience as a force that continues to grow beneath the surface, even in the face of harsh conditions. It also reflects how resilience is shown through the persistence, protection, and continuation of culture, as well as the memory of our ancestors.

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

My creative process began with building a strong symbolic composition that reflects my themes of resilience, survival, and community, inspired by Segundo de Febrero. I use symbolism throughout the piece; the roots and fetus represent future generations and inherited resilience, showing how culture and memory are deeply grounded in the earth and carried through ancestry. The contrasting elements of winter and sunrise reflect hardship and renewal, while the clouds and red sky symbolize feelings of urgency and rage in response to the aggression and bloodshed tied to ICE, as well as representing the temporary nature of authority. Through layering acrylic paint and color symbolism, I aimed to visually connect identity, resistance, and collective strength.

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

I was inspired by the Segundo de Febrero event held at Our Lady of the Lake University, as well as the current state of society and the impact the government has on communities. These experiences have shaped my perspective and the themes I explore in my work. I have also always felt a strong connection to nature, often seeing it as both inspiration and a source of self-reflection and grounding. Together, these influences help guide my artistic practice and the ideas I choose to express.

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

The title “Our Roots” connects to the imagery in my work, which reflects how resilience is passed down through ancestry, memory, and collective experience. It emphasizes the idea that our culture and identity are deeply rooted, and no matter what forces try to remove us, the memory of our presence remains.

5. Is there anything more you’d like our readers/viewers to know about you or your work?       

I want viewers to understand that resilience is an unspoken strength rooted in both identity and community. It is not only loud defiance, but also a continuous effort to protect life, memory, and culture.