Art has been in my life since childhood, passed down through generations. I remember painting alongside my grandmother, who taught me that art was about connection, not just creation. My father continued this tradition, encouraging me to paint freely.

When my grandmother passed away from cancer in seventh grade, I realized that painting became my way of keeping her memory alive. It was no longer just a hobby—it was my tribute to her.

In high school, I was nervous about entering art competitions, but with the encouragement of my art teacher, I took the leap. To my surprise, I won my first competition, and the success motivated me to keep going. This led to an art and performance scholarship in college, where I earned an art minor.

Today, my art is a continuation of the legacy I’ve inherited, shaped by the love and lessons passed down to me. Each piece I create honors the women who taught me to see the world through a painter’s eyes.