What is your favorite type of art to create?

Painting is my favorite medium of all. I have come to know acrylic paint especially well by experimenting with mixing in foreign materials, such as sand, to achieve a variety of finishes. With this quality it becomes perfect for the realism and impressionism. For me it's also about taking it a step further, and that's proportionally giant subjects. I get to take advantage of a larger space and enhance micro facial expressions. Emotions and allowance are my ideal combination.

Where do you find inspiration?

My artistic process is deeply influenced by the first-hand experiences of living and growing up in Puerto Rico, a place ever so rich in culture but marked by its social, political and economic complexities, a feeling too large to express through proportionally sized people. I often depict themes of nostalgia and family, as well as self-portraits in which I explore snapshots of my life in different ages and emotions.

What would you do with $25,000?

I am currently working towards earning a bachelor's degree in fine arts at Iowa State University. An investment in the professional development of my creative career. I also keep my long-term goals of opening an art studio in mind. Knowing this, I would use a significant portion to support my art education and expand my budget. This would allow for possibilities in my art that my current financial status doesn't, like larger scale projects. The rest would be put into savings for my business.