I was born in the Bronx, NYC, in 1965. I come from Puerto Rican ancestry. Lived in the projects in the Bronx until I was 11 years old. My parents told me, after realizing drugs and gangs were coming into the neighborhood, they out of fear for me and my sister, quickly moved us out.

My parents were told of an apartment in Mamaroneck, NY by a close friend and former neighbor we knew in the Bronx. It was a large 2 bedroom apartment in a safe suburban neighborhood. It was across the street from the High School, had a pool and their own parking spot. The rent for this apartment was also very cheap, even for those days. This was a huge upgrade for them. They clearly lucked out with this and quickly jumped on the opportunity. I jokingly always said, it had to have been divine intervention.

I lived in Mamaroneck for the next 10 years. Eventually moving to Mount Vernon, NY with my future wife. And then to Larchmont, NY where I was married and had 2 children. 11 years later, my wife and I bought our first home back in Mamaroneck. Literally 5 minutes away by car from my former home where my parents still lived. I have remained in this home and still reside there today.

My artistic talent was something I was blessed with. Given to me at birth I suppose. As far back into my childhood I can remember, I always had pencils, pens or markers and paper and was always drawing. My talents were very much noticed by my family, my teachers, my classmates and my friends. My art, to me, was just a hobby. Something I would do to pass the time. It was always, and still is, a very therapeutic activity for me. It wasn’t until much later in my life that I even considered the possibility of selling my work. It was the support of my family, friends and total strangers, who enjoyed my art, that all encouraged me to sell. After creating over 30 paintings, and running out of room in my house to store them, I thought, maybe, it wasn’t a bad idea to at least try.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

My family has sometimes asked me what my intent or goal was, overall, with the paintings that I do. It’s something I never really thought about. Something would inspire me and I'd paint it. Really not that complicated. But, my sister in particular, would bring it up in some very interesting conversations we had and would provoke thought about what my goal actually is.

So when provoked to think about this... it’s basically to share both my Puerto Rican and American heritage that I grew up with. Maybe to let other non-latino people see the positive side to Puerto Rican, or in my case, Nuyorican culture. Maybe for those who have preconceived negative feelings towards us can see we’re nothing to be afraid of, and that given the chance, they might actually find us to be very good friends. How we would welcome anyone with open arms to join us, to share our food, listen to our music, dance with us, sing with us, laugh with us. Heck, even sit down and join us in a game of dominos.

My sister once shared my painting “Mujer Misteriosa” with her friends. Without knowing what I named it, they all started texting each other about what my intent was in the painting. I found it all fascinating, but none were actually correct. After reading all of these texts... I decided to let them have their interpretations. It means something deep to them, so why spoil it. And so I decided to do this with all of my paintings. Let people see them as they wish.

But how ever my paintings are interpreted, I want them to be positive. To provoke good feelings. Maybe some good memories. Some things that anyone, no matter what cultural background they are from, can relate to and enjoy.