My favorite type of art to create is large-scale mixed media work built through layering materials, texture, and bold color. I work across two themes: one rooted in my identity as a first-generation Cuban American from West Tampa, exploring culture, memory, and the Tampeño experience, and another inspired by pop culture like Disney. I use oil, acrylic, and found objects to build depth, creating immersive, textured work that transforms identity, emotion, and upbringing into vibrant storytelling.

I find inspiration in the intersections of culture, memory, and everyday life. Growing up in West Tampa as a first-generation Cuban American, I’m inspired by family traditions, community spaces, and the stories carried through food, music, and gathering. I also draw from pop culture influences like Disney and music that shaped my imagination and sense of joy. My inspiration comes from lived experience, emotional memory, and the vibrant details of both my heritage and the world around me.

If I were awarded $25,000, I would invest it directly into my artistic practice. Since earning my BFA in May 2025, I have not had a dedicated studio space, but creating art is the fuel to my soul and I have been yearning to do it full-time. I have found my calling and devote myself every day to building a future where art is my everyday life. This support would allow me to secure a studio, return to creating large-scale work, and ignite my career as an artist.