​

HEROES & PROFESSORS


Andrickson Rafael Read
Jeweler, Painter, Architect & Engineer, Plumber, Mason, Event Coordinator, Carpenter, Decorative Painter
My Father

Agustina Aponte
Artist, Florist, Customer Relations Expert
My Godmother

 

Carlos Nuñez
Artist and Instructor of Arts

P.S./I.S. 218 Rafael Hernandez Dual Language Magnet School 
Fiorello LaGuardia High School Of The Arts and Performing Arts
My Middle School Art Teacher

Brendan Pulver
Artist and Instructor of Arts
Fiorello LaGuardia High School Of The Arts and Performing Arts
My Art History Professor

Evangelos Viglis
Artist and Instructor of Arts
Fiorello LaGuardia High School Of The Arts and Performing Arts
My Architecture & Interior Design Professor

​

Dana Kenn

Scenic Artist, Designer, Welder, Watercolor Painter

My Foreman on The Gilded Age Season 2

​

​

COURSEWORK AND STUDIES

Figure Drawing, SUNY Buffalo
Sculpting Methods Spatial Inquiries- Carpentry, 

Metal Welding & Plasterwork, SUNY Buffalo
Architecture, Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music & Arts
Printmaking , Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music & Arts
Interior Design, Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music & Arts
Pencil Basics & Measuring, Bellas Artes San Francisco De Macoris
Sculpting Basics, Bellas Artes San Francisco De Macoris
Gothic Lettering & Calligraphy,  Liceo Max Henriquez Urena
Ceramics, Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music & Arts
The Basics of Art - Pencil, Colorpencil, Calligraphy, P.S. 226

​

​

SKILLS

Watercolor

Acrylic Paint

Faux Finish Techniques - Marble, Wood, Lapis Lazuli, Tile, Concrete

Pencil Drawing

Pen & Ink Drawing

Calligraphy

Charcoal

Sculpting (Clay, Cardboard)

Collage

Aging & Blocking

Mixed Media

Acrylic Paint Pouring techniques

Hand Sewing

Furniture Renovation

Make-up Application

Interior & Exterior painting

Wallpaper Repairs

Writing and Composition

Digital Design

​

JOBS & EXPERIENCE

​

Industrial

United Scenic Artist Union Local USA 829

February 2022- Present

​

 

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 27, January 2026

The Gilded Age- Season 2, May 2022 - July 2022

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 23 & Season 24

February 2022 - April 2022, September 2022

​

 

In charge of ordering and procuring all necessary materials and equipment; assist in delivery pick up. Maintain order & cleanliness in shop; clean all brushes, buckets, tabletops, replace blades and dispose of trash. Manage the daily inventory; re-stock all paints, rollers, tapes, brushes, and additional supplies. Cover the set with paper in preparation for paint, load paint carts, and prepare scenic kits for locations. Assist with wallpaper installation and repairs, and minor paint touch-ups.

​

Teaching Artist

EM Arts

May 2025- November 2025

Design and teach engaging lessons in visual art education for students within the NYC Department of Education Network in the areas of drawing, painting, sculpture, commercial design, digital design, videography, comic book and calligraphy. Develop an enthusiastic classroom environment to target the interests and needs of each student using interactive group activities, custom worksheets and self-demonstration. Empowered students with the courage to explore their artistic vision. Educate students on different career paths a professional artist may embark on and the benefits of having artistic abilities in other industries. Provided artistic expertise regarding the development of art programming.

​

​

Scenic Fabricator

Independent Contractor| Self

October 2020-Present

​

Egyptian Themed Private Event - Paintings & Drawings of Egyptian Gods & Symbolism, October 2020

​​

Arrepentimiento - Music Video Trailer, Director & Musician: Adrian Read - Faux Tombstone, October 2023

​​

Epiphany - Short Film, Digital Pulse Productions, Director: Miguel Romero Trejos. In 7 Experimental Video Art Residency at Gardenship - Faux Wood Pinecomb Staff, Faux Wood Masks, Three Faux Wood Half-Masks, One Faux Wood Pinecomb Staff, Faux Horns, Faux Blood, June 2023

​

The Hand - Three Month Social Media Series, Director, Performer & Artist: Andrilisa Rosanna Read-Iglesias Lopes

Wallpaper Room, July 2023 - October 2023

​

 

Local USA 829 in Labor Day Parade

Giant #2 Cardboard Pencil , November 2024

​

Create props and scenic art elements for independent short films, music video trailers and live events using paints, fabrics, canvas, cardboard, faux finishing techniques and design knowledge. Lead concept meetings, present samples of proposed build if needed, offer artistic guidance. Stay up to date with production deadlines. Assist with on-site fabrication, installation and de-installation.

​

Restoration Painter - Wood

Independent Contract | New-York Historical Society Museum & Library, New York, NY

September 2022 - February 2023

Restored the original painted look of wood grain to several metal doors that were damaged with scratches. Restored wooden doors using filler, paints, stains and glazes to match the original wood grain pattern. Conducted site inspection and assessed the damage in need of repairs. Prepared proposal and sourced materials necessary for the job. Sent client detailed work summary reports featuring actions taken during work shift, before and after pictures of the repairs and hours worked. Submitted invoices. Protected surfaces surrounding paint site. Coordinated with museum staff to store materials.

​

 

Nail Technician

The Arbors Assisted Living Communities at Westbury

Jericho, NY

August 2018- March 2020

One of the services we provided to the residents at the assisted living was filing and painting nails. Everyone on the recreation staff was trained on how to properly paint nails. Those of us with more artistic abilities often added special designs requested by the residents including flowers, lines, shapes, dots, and even happy faces. Growing up, I often painted my Mother and my Grandmother’s nails so it was easy for me to do this for the residents.

Residential Home Painter
Independent Contractor, Bronx, NY
Spring 2016

Prepared walls for painting by making minor repairs using caulk, putty and plaster.

Cleaned surfaces, determined the best method of paint application based on surface size and texture. Applied appropriate primers, paints & finishes required in job specifications.

Anatomy Model
NicK Horvath, Watercolor Artist
Summer 2016 - Fall 2017

Sat completely still in arranged pose for increments of 5-30 minutes while artist executed watercolor artworks. Adjusted positioning accordingly at the request of the artist to better capture the light and/or the movement.

Art Educator
SoBro Program
Thurgood Marshal Academy For Learning and Social Change, New York, NY
February 2016- June 2016

Created lesson plans and taught art classes at the middle school level. Introduced students to artistic concepts, non-conventional materials and using emotions to create.

Mural Assistant for Outer Space Studio Wall Project
Jay Falcon, Mural Artist
March 2012

Assisted with filling in the mural background. Using spray paint and magazine paper, created celestial spheres and planets of varying colors and shapes where needed. Prepared work station, covered the floor and maintained a clean environment while painting.

Carpenter & Painter
Cruce De Mirabel, Dominican Republic
August 2011- December 2011, May 2010 , Jan 2008, June 2003-June 2004

Assisted with general repairs, finishes, and wood renovations to community schools and local church. Assisted with the building and planning of ‘Community rooms’, a low-income housing project consisting of 30 rooms to serve as temporary housing for anyone in the community facing homelessness. Lead community clean up efforts to remove debris from main road as well as garbage removal from the homes of the elderly. Ordered supplies and maintained inventory of materials used in repairs.

Intern
University at Buffalo Center for The Arts Gallery, Buffalo, NY
January 2010 - May 2010

Balanced accounts expenditure reports; helped with the development of 2010-2011 Fiscal Forecast. Audited grant proposal meetings with the finance and general operations manager. Worked with lead gallery preparator on installation and de-installation of a variety of exhibition- patched holes, sanding, painting walls. Worked as gallery security and information person during exhibitions.

Publications Director
Latin American Student Association, State University of New York at Buffalo
February 2007 - May 2007

Designed and created flyers and any promotional materials for general body meetings and events hosted by the Latin American Student Association. Posted flyers throughout campus. Attended meetings with other executives to promote events.

Costume Maker
International Fiesta Dance Competition 2007
Latin American Student Association, State University of New York at Buffalo
March 2007

Being raised by seamstress allowed me to learn professional sewing techniques early on. It was a family trade; both my Grandmothers were both incredibly skilled with the needle, thread and sewing machine. I made the recommendation on which sewing machine should be purchased and together with several other members of the Latin American Student Association, we proceeded to make skirts, tops and tribal outfits for the 40+ dancers that would be competing and representing our culture.

Make Up- Artist
Fashion Club - Spring Fashion Show
Fiorello La Guardia High School of The Arts and Performing Arts, New York, NY
Spring 2006

As someone who wore make-up every day to school i was not surprised when an Executive Member of the Fashion Club asked if I would be one of the make-up artist for the fashion show. We were shown a specific shimmery smokey eye with a nude lip and asked to replicate it on several models that would be walking on the runway. In addition to the make-up, I assisted with fluffing up the hair and adding volume.

Anatomy Model
Fiorello La Guardia High School of The Arts and Performing Arts, New York, NY
Spring 2003 & Spring 2005 Art Entrance Exams

Posed for the art entrance exams. Sat still for 45 minute sessions. Assisted with collecting student art portfolio and organizing exam application paperwork.

Stage Backdrop Painter - Flowers For Algernon Musical
I.S. 218 Rafael Hernandez Dual Language Magnet School, Bronx, New York
May 2001
Those of us that had exhibited artistic talents were asked to paint the backdrop that would be used for the school play. Using a projector, the image was displayed on a large canvas drop that we then painted. 

​

Anatomy Model

Unknown Pencil Artist

June 1991

One of my earliest memories is of someone helping me to sit on the kitchen countertop and asking me to sit very still so they could draw me. During that time, the house was often full of students waiting on my Mother to sew their school uniform. I used to think my Godmother was the one who drew me, but when I got older I asked her and she said she was not the one who drew me. It’s possible it was just one of the students. Even though I can’t remember who drew me, I remember sitting very still wondering what it would look like when the person finished making lines on the paper. I will always remember the moment I saw the result- it was me. It was the same me I had seen in the mirror. It was the me that lived in the paper.

 

EXHIBITIONS

“Los Dos” Painting

MS 363 The Academy For Personal Leadership and Excellence Career Day, Bronx, NY

April 9th, 2025

​​

“We Are Los” Painting

MS 363 The Academy For Personal Leadership and Excellence Career Day, Bronx, NY

June 5thth, 2024

​​

“La Casa D’Arte De Read” Permanent Installation

Curated collection of Paintings & Artworks from The Philosopher’s Tone Book Collection

Home Museum & Library, Bronx, NY

April 5th, 2025 Unveiling

​​

¨Tears Can Be Good” Painting

“I Am The Black Stone That Fell From The Sky” Painting

Generations Group Art Show

Curated by Barbara “Barby” Beauvais

Poe Park Visitor Center, Bronx, NY

March 4th - March 28th, 2025

​

“The Philosopher’s Tone Book Collection”

Solo Exhibition

Miradouro Do Cervo, Lovelhe, Portugal

February 26th, 2025

​​

“We Are Los” Painting

“Tell It To The Heart” Painting

MS 363 The Academy For Personal Leadership and Excellence Career Day, Bronx, NY

June 5th, 2024

​​

“We Are Los” Painting

“Romance In The Stone” Painting

Boro Bash Group Art Show

Hosted by Boro Based, Brooklyn Art Cave, Brooklyn, NY

July 28th, 2023 - July 30th, 2023

​

“We Are Los” Painting

“The All In” Painting

“I Am The Tree That Giveth Life” Painting

Solo Exhibition

The Sidewalk Adjacent The Garbage, Bronx, NY

July 11th, 2023

​​

"Welcome to Riverdale", Warm Mosaic Tile

Mural Mosaic's Global Roots Project - America Connects Northeast

Riverdale Mainstreets Alliance, the Sisters of Charity,

College of Mount St. Vincent

Permanent Installation in Riverdale Avenue & West 261st Street, Bronx, NY

Opening April 3rd, 2023

“Molotov Cocktail De Emociones” Painting
Adrian Y Carolina Album Launch Event
Ms. Kim’s Lounge & Karaoke
December 11th, 2022

​

“SunImo”, Sculpture

The Red Talk: Series 2 Live Event

Embassy Suites by Hilton Parsippany, Parsippany- Troy Hills, NJ 07054

March 17th, 2022

 

"We All Have The Power To Transform" Painting

Styletainment Gala & Silent Auction

Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, NJ

December 11th, 2021

“Everyone Is Born With A Gem Of Divinity”, Painting
“The Complexity Of A Woman”, Color Pencil
December Group Art Show
Jones Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri
Month of December 2021
 
“Escape Into The Art & Find Yourself”, Solo Exhibition
Curated collection of 77 Autobiographcal artworks
Private Beachfront Venue, Far Rockaway, NY
September 18th, 2021

“Escape Into The Mummy’s Tomb”, Solo Exhibition
7 Egyptian Themed Mixed Media Paintings
Private Beachfront Venue, Far Rockaway, NY
October 31st, 2020

“We Were Built To Be Brave Painting”
East Fordham Academy Of The Arts Career Day, Bronx, New York
March 28th, 2019

​

“We Were Built To Be Brave Painting”

Permanent Installation for Veteran's Wall of The Arbors at Westbury Assisted Living Community

Jericho, NY

November 2018

​

“To Age Is A Work Of Art” Painting

Permanent Installation for Parker On Madison Social Adult Day Care, Hempstead, NY

June 2018

“Everlasting Love Wedding Guestbook” Painting
East Fordham Academy Of The Arts Career Day, Bronx, New York
March 23rd, 2018

“Touch My Fears” Mixed Media Interactive Series
East Fordham Academy Of The Arts Career Day, Bronx, New York
March 24th, 2017

“Touch More Fears” Mixed Media Interactive Series,
Pim Comedy - October Group Art Show
New Yok, New Yok
September 24, 2016

“Touch My Fears” Mixed Media Interactive Series
Pim Comedy - September Group Art Show
New York, New York
August 31, 2016

“Emerge From Your Entanglements”, Painting
“The Most Colorful Baby”,  Painting
Pim Comedy - April Group Art Show
New York, New York
April 2016

“Into the Mind” Mixed Media Series
Pim Comedy- March Group Art Show

New York, New York
March 30, 2016

“See My Avatar” Painting
Concentrix Competition & Group Show

Concentrix, Rochester, Ny
October 2012

“The Anatomy Of My Body & My Mind”

International Council - Group Art Show

Undergraduate Student Association, SUNY Buffalo

March 2010
 

“Ruins of My History” Charcoal Series

Art and Food - Group Art Show

The Latin American Student Association

State University of New York At Buffalo

April 1, 2007

​

“Searching For Another Reality” Photography Series

Friends Of The Hudson River Park Photography Summer Program

August 2005

​

​

ART CLASSES & SPECIAL EVENTS HOSTED

​

“A Time For Clay - Clay Archaeological Exploration”

Private Event - Group Arts Seminar, Bronx, NY

March 5, 2026

​​

"We Flow Like The Water - Watercolor Healing Therapy"

Private Event - Group Art Seminar, Bronx, NY

March 20, 2022

A basic lesson in pencil, a guided meditation and carefully curating adjectives of empowerment were all part of the process of painting individual watercolor portraits.

 

“Watercolor Social”

Private Event - Group Art Seminar, Far Rockaway, NY

August 29, 2021

 

Craft Corner: Mini Scarecrows

Group Arts & Craft Class

The Arbors Assisted Living Communities at Westbury

October 19, 2019

​​

Cake Creations: Live Cake Decorating

With Rosa Maria Holguin, Professional Baker

The Arbors Assisted Living Community at Westbury

September 11, 2019

​​

Craft Corner: Sock Teddy Bears

Group Arts & Craft Class

The Arbors Assisted Living Communities at Westbury

September 9, 2019

​​

Woodshop Craft: Fighter Planes & Helicopters

Carpentry Group Class

The Arbors Assisted Living Communities at Westbury

August 19, 2019

​​​

Art Easter Craft

Group Arts & Craft Class

The Arbors Assisted Living Communities at Westbury

April 21, 2019

​​

Dreidel Painting Class With Grandfriends

Group Arts & Craft Class

The Arbors Assisted Living Communities at Westbury

December 2, 2018

 

Basic Drawing Class With Andy

Group Arts & Craft Class

The Arbors Assisted Living Communities at Westbury

September 26, 2018

 

Nature Drawing with Andy

Pencil Group Class

The Arbors Assisted Living Communities at Westbury

September 25, 2018

​​

Create Your Family Tree Art Workshop

The Arbors Assisted Living Communities at Westbury

September 18, 2018

​​​

Nature Drawing with Andy

Pencil Group Class

The Arbors Assisted Living Communities at Westbury

September 25, 2018

​​

“Paint And Sip With The Moon”

Painting Group Class, Bronx NY

September 30, 2017

​​

“The Pink Tree”

Family Painting Group Class, Bronx, NY

September 9, 2017

​​

“Waterfall Overlooking The Moon”

Youth Private Painting Lesson, Bronx, NY

August 3, 2016

​

COMMISSIONS & DESIGNS

​

Piscina de Santo Domingo, Private Pool Commission, July 2003

Rosa; Mother of Roses, Private Paint Commission, August 2005

Mama Quica Cousins Tattoo, Private Commission, August 2006

La Casa De Santo Domingo, Color Pencil Commission, Jan 2009

A Dragon To Hide A Scar, Tattoo Design Commission, September 2008

Never Take The Expected For Granted, Private Design Commission, May 2009

It Was All Training, Pencil Commission, May 2009

Wings For Grandma, Tattoo Design Commission, June 2009

You Are Lamassu, Tattoo Design Commission, September 2009

Humble Beginnings, Tattoo Design Commission, September 2009

Mors Tua Vita Mea Scrolls, Tattoo Design Commission, October 2009

The Aries Symbol, Tattoo Design Commission, December 2009

You are Obatala, Color Pencil Design Commission, January 2010

A Tribal Arm, Tattoo Design Commission, April 2010

Ankle Wings, Tattoo Design Commission, April 2010

The Tribal Winged Warrior, Tattoo Design Commission, April 2010

My Courage & Rufus, Tattoo Design Commission, April 2012

Harley-Quinn Giving, Private Paint Commission, November 2012

A Link To Adrian, Private Paint Commission, December 2012

The Brick Wall, Mural Commission, December 2012

Customer Service Shining Starts, Display Commission, December 2012

From Blue To Red Bathroom, Repaint & Redesign Commission, July 2013

The Red Living Room of Faux Rocks, Mural Commission, September 2013

From The Heart Came The Wolf, Tattoo Design Commission, October 2013

An Everlasting Hug, Private Paint Commission, May 2014

Sealander Southcup Wrapper, Color Pencil Commission, September 2014

Hoobastank on Paper, Private Mixed Media Commission, December 2015

The Most Colorful Baby, Private Paint Commission, December 2015

Castro-Perez Baby Shower Guestbook, Paper Mural Commission, February 2016

An Adventure In Games, Mixed Media Commission, July 2016

Hold Me, Phone Case Design Commission, October 2016

Baby Husky In Red, Phone Case Design Commission, December 2016

Love For The Giraffe, Phone Case Design Commission, December 2016

Discipline, Phone Case Design Commission, December 2016

Sisterly Love, Private Mixed Media Commission, December 2016

Candelario Holiday Family Photos, Photography Commission, December 2016

Love, Phone Case Design Commission, March 2017

Unlock The Saiyan, Phone Case Design Commission, March 2017

The White Bunny, Phone Case Design Commission, March 2017

Blissed Out Book Manuscript, Private Design Commission, June 2017

Cardboard Chimeney of Christmas, Private Commission, December 2017

To Age Is A Work of Art, Commercial Commission, June 2018

The Golden Butterfly, Private Paint Commission, October 2018

We Were Built To Be Brave, Commercial Commission, November 2018

Color Pencil Koi, Color Pencil Commission, December 2018

From Grey to Green, Restoration Commission, August 2020

A Toast To Four Maidens, Painted Wine Glass Commission, September 2020

A Toast To Rosandri, Painted Wine Glass Commission, September 2020

Escape To Egypt Series, Private Paint Commission, October 2020

Working Out Life, Private Design Commission, November 2020

Cat House For Maki, Private Commission, December 2020

Nothing Like A Christmas Heart, Painted Tea Glass Commission, December 2020

A Cat In A Glass, Painted Tea Glass Commission, December 2020

A Colorful Village of Block People, Private Commission, December 2020

Under Her Umber Ella, Private Paint Commission, January 2021

Beach Room of Love, Private Design Commission, January 2021

SunImo, Sculpture Restoration Commission, April 2021

Journey To The Center of Thyself, Pencil Commission, May 2021

Sun on The Horizon: Scorpio Rising, Tattoo Design Commission, May 2021

Alejandro The Great, Watercolor Commission, June 2021

The Evolution of A Music Career, Private Commission, December 2021

Let Music Be Your Rock, Private Commission, December 2021

Let Music Be Your Rock, Jacket Design Commission, December 2021

Fountain of Abundance- Rosa La Maravillosa, Private Commission, December 2021

Roots of Greatness, Watercolor Commission, December 2021

The Green Goddess of Love, Watercolor Commission, February 2022

We Come Alive For Your Food, Private Paint Commission, February 2022

Llego El Gato, Private Paint Commission, February 2022

The Green Goddess of Love, Private Design Commission, February 2022

The Loves of My World, Private Paint Commission, April 2022

When You See The One You Love, Private Paint Commission, April 2022

Daddy Daughter Cakez Business Cards, Private Design Commission, May 2022

Faux Kitchen Tile, Mural Commission, August 2022

Hair For Dante, Restoration Commission, August 2022

A Faux Chest of Shoes, Restoration Commission, August 2022

Guilded Lion Handles, Restoration Commission, October 2022

Romance Your Way Home, Renovation & Design Commission, October 2022

The Blue Wall, Mural Commission, October 2022

Amor De Lapiz Lasuli, Restoration Commission, November 2022

A Faux Chest of Toilet Papers, Restoration Commission, November 2022

A Faux Chest of Papers, Restoration Commission, December 2022

Molotov Cocktail De Emociones, Private Design Commission, December 2022

Romance In The Stone, Private Paint Commission, December 2022

Custom Art Kit For A Belle, Private Commission, March 2023

Rosa Dominican Cakes Business Cards, Private Design Commission, March 2023

The Golden Door, Mural Commission, April 2023

Wedding China, Private Commission, April 2023

Bearer of Words, Private Commission, April 2023

Cardboard Horse, Private Commission, May 2023

Read Book Insignia, Private Design Commission, June 2023

Epiphany Scenic Elements, Private Commission, June 2023

The Green Anchor, Restoration Commission, June 2023

Emerald Hat, Private Commission, June 2023

Feel My Heart, Private Design Commission, July 2023

Hand of A Reptile, Private Commission, September 2023

Hand For A Little Lady, Private Commission, September 2023

Working Out Life, Cover Redesign Commission, September 2023

The Man In The Art, Private Paint Commission, October 2023

Footstool Restoration & Golden Guild, Restoration Commission, October 2023

Arrepentimiento Scenic Elements, Private Commission, October 2023

Hot Hair Balloon Dool, Private Commission, December 2023

Quinceañera Revival Doll, Private Commission, December 2023

Mother of Cakes Doll, Private Commission, December 2023

Faux Stained Glass, Private Commission, May 2024

Perez Brothers Business Cards, Private Design Commission, July 2024

Henna Dragon, Private Commission, October 2024

The Baby Shower Games Prizes, Private Commission, November 2024

La Flor De La Abuela, Private Paint Commission, February 2025

Andri de España, Private Paint Commission, February 2025

EM Arts & Wellness Website, Private Design Commission, June 2025

Knowledge Is Key Daycare, Information Card, Private Design Commission, August 2025

EM Arts 5X7 Information Card, Private Design Commission, September 2025

EM Arts Business Cards, Private Designs Commission, October 2025

Chloe, Pencil Baby Portrait Commission, October 2025

Alejandro, Pencil Baby Portrait Commission, October 2025

Calming Animals & Lines. Private Portrait Commission, November 2025

Adrian, Pencil Baby Portrait Commission, November 2025

Jade, Pencil Baby Portrait Commission, November 2025

Little Adrian, Pencil Baby Portrait Commission, November 2025

Tiago, Pencil Baby Portrait Commission, November 2025

Iria, Pencil Baby Portrait Commission, November 2025

Adelle, Pencil Baby Portrait Commission, November 2025

Emory, Pencil Baby Portrait Commission, December 2025

Elijah, Pencil Baby Portrait Commission, December 2025

Rosmeriz’s Baby, Pencil Baby Portrait Commission, December 2025

Rodriguez Family Portrait, Private Paint Commission, December 2025

Con El Arte Viajas A Cualquier Parte, Private Color Pencil Commission, January 2026

​​

A deeper look behind some of my first commissions...

"Mother of Roses", Oil Painting

Personal Commission

August 2005

For my mother's birthday, I painted a portrait of her surrounded by roses. It was the first painting I had ever made for someone. My brother and I went to the restaurant where she worked to surprise her. He brought his guitar and was ready to serenade her. I knew my mother loved the painting because she cried when she saw it. She then put it on display for everyone at her job to see and I knew my mother was proud. As soon as people walked in they knew my mother was loved because someone took the time to paint her so beautifully. They marveled at the painting while I sat from afar watching. When they asked who did it, my mom pointed at the creepy child in the corner of the restaurant and said "my incredible daughter", and then she would motion me to come over and say hello. Even though she knew I did not talk when I was around people, my mother always found a way to include me.

​

"Dejeuner Du Matin", Acrylic Painting

Personal Commission

May 2005

For one of our final projects in french class, we were assigned the task of creating an addition for Jacques Prevert's poem "Dejeuner Du Matin". I decided to create a black painting depicting visuals from the the original poem with the letters of the verses written in white carefully on one side showcasing the blended poem. If you did not know the original, you would not know the ending had been changed because it mimicked the same pattern of the famous poem. The words had been perfectly stiched together to follow the same tempo. When I unveiled it to the class, it was as if I was in my own private art opening. No one else had made a painting. The teacher was so moved that I would take the time to make such a masterpiece for her class. I had never felt such prestige. She asked if she could keep it to show her future pupils that would come after me. Gladly I said yes. Even though my family was not there to share in this moment, I felt proud of what I had done and that was enough.  Long after my physical body was to be gone, my heart and my essence would forever remain in that french class within that painting.

​

"La Piscina De La Casa De Santo Domingo", Pool

Family Commission

July 2003

I still remember the day my father came to me with the design he had carefully drawn on a piece of paper for this pool. Our summer vacation would be over in two weeks but we decided to give it our best shot. It did not matter that our hands were smaller, my brother and I knew how to use the shovels like the adults. We knew how to dig, we knew how to mix, we knew how to move the shovel as if it were one big claw. Everyday we woke up at the beginning of the morning to mix concrete. Even with the blazing sun hitting our backs, we knew the rewards would last longer than these moments in the fire. My father, my father's father, my brother & I built this pool with our bare hands and the hands of a few friends not that much older than us. It did not matter that time only allowed for us to enjoy the pool while it was unpainted and at half water capacity, we were able to bathe on that last day of our vacation. We were all so amazed to be floating in a spot where just two weeks before we were standing. We were so proud that we had created a new reality for ourselves with our bare hands. My family, my family's family, neighbors and friends, and criters of the community have been enjoying the pool for 20 years. The pool still lives.

​