Your scars are beautiful. Can it be that our scars truly make us beautiful? How many of us genuinely believe that? Often, the unsightly parts of ourselves prompt us to hide in shame. But what if we chose to view our brokenness through the lens of acceptance and love? Your scars are not imperfections; they are beautiful marks of resilience. They tell the story of your journey, a testament to the strength that lies within. Embrace them, for they are the very essence of who you are.
You’re not broken. The canvas may bear literal holes—punctured, scraped, and scarred—but these marks tell a different story. When we think of something as broken, we often believe it no longer serves its intended purpose. Yet I propose a different perspective: broken open—like a tender plant emerging from its shell, stretching towards the sunlight. In this act of opening, we discover new possibilities, resilience, and growth. What appears damaged can serve as a gateway to beauty and transformation, inviting us to embrace the light that shines through. Left to right: Whispers of Wisdom & Eternal Gold, mixed media on canvas, 14" x 11" Across cultures, circles resonate with deep meaning and wisdom. In Buddhism, they represent the eternal cycles of life—birth, death, and rebirth. In Brazilian Candomblé, circles unite communities and honor ancestors through vibrant rituals. The Enso in Japanese Zen embodies strength, enlightenment, and the universe itself. For the Mayans, circles mirror the cyclical flow of time and the essence of community. In Native American traditions, the medicine wheel symbolizes life's continuous journey.
Inspired by this rich symbolism, I chose to create my own circle, layering local newspapers, paint, and organic materials from my surroundings. To me, the circle is a powerful reminder: you are a circle. Every action you take returns to you, shaping your journey. Embrace this wisdom, and let your life be a beautiful reflection of unity and connection. You Are a Circle, mixed media on canvas, 48” x 36” Celebrating Art Meets Fashion at The Leonardo!!
It was an honor to be part of this incredible event and to witness the amazing talent in our community. A huge shoutout to everyone who contributed to making it a success. Thrilled to see my work showcased alongside so much creativity, and what a treat to snap a pic with the talented Kuya Allen. Recent installation shots of my work showcased at https://theleonardo.org/ as part of my artist residency with https://www.artesmexut.org/, mandala-making using Utah sand, and I'm honored to pose alongside the iconic Fanny Guadalupe, executive director of Artes de Mexico en Utah.
Americana is a large-scale sculptural painting I created to celebrate my naturalization as an American citizen. True to my artistic approach, I used materials from my immediate surroundings to convey a story about place and provide a sense of grounding and orientation. This piece features an American flag, local newspaper, Utah sand, foraged sawdust, and salt from the Great Salt Lake.
Honestly, I encourage every American artist to challenge themselves to create their own rendition of the American flag at least once in their lifetime. It serves as such a powerful touchstone of American ideology. Americana, Mixed media & gold pigment on canvas, 48” x 36” Upcoming Events Announcement
Join us for these exciting events and celebrate creativity in our community! I recently had the opportunity of being interviewed for https://www.parkcitymag.com/
One of my favorite questions was: Q: How has having your work featured on Architectural Digest and Bravo Television changed or influenced your art? A: Being featured on these platforms was incredibly affirming, but it also brought a sense of responsibility to consistently deliver my best work. The exposure has connected me to wider audiences and sparked fresh ideas and collaborations. I strive to recalibrate my compass regularly, ensuring that my art serves as a tool for personal transformation and growth. My goal is to inspire others to find their purpose through creativity, blending aesthetic appeal with functional sensibility. Overall, it’s been a powerful catalyst for growth and exploration in my creative process. Stay tuned for updates! Week one of my artist residency at https://theleonardo.org/ thanks to https://www.artesmexut.org/ was a fantastic success!
I have new work on display that delves into themes of belonging, spirituality, and resourcefulness. I’m also excited to host a free mandala-making project using Utah sand each week—no artistic experience is needed, and everyone is welcome! Join me for one of my upcoming sessions: Friday, September 13: 10 AM - 2 PM Saturday, September 21: 10 AM - 2 PM Friday, September 27: 10 AM - 2 PM I can’t wait to create together! I’m extremely honored to serve as a juror for the visual arts category at this year’s 11th Annual Alfred Lambourne Arts Program in partnership with https://www.fogsl.org/. Since arriving in Utah, I’ve loved being part of this event. I’m grateful for our community’s commitment to raising awareness and education about this precious resource. Congratulations to all the participating artists, and a special shoutout to Laurie Bray for winning first prize in the visual arts category!
A mandala is a beautiful geometric arrangement of symbols that serves as a powerful tool for meditation and spiritual focus. My journey with mandalas began during my 25 years of yoga practice, where I found their calming essence transformative.
Creating this piece was an intuitive evolution. It started as a sculptural mandala on a larger canvas, but when the proportions felt off, I carved it out and placed it on a smaller canvas, enhancing its visual impact. Crafted from organic, foraged materials and plaster, I let the intense Utah sun bake my creation, infusing it with nature’s energy. This marks my first mandala on canvas, and I’m thrilled with the result. In a delightful twist of fate, I also discovered that my first cousin (twice removed), the renowned Brazilian artist Livio Abramo, created a mandala engraving. Was it coincidence? Perhaps, but it feels like a beautiful connection across generations. |
This blog was created to share my belief that the art-making process is a catalyst for transformation and personal empowerment. I am living proof.
Categories
All
|