My artistic journey began in middle school when I won a city wide contest for Chicago students and came in 2nd place. I knew then that I was destined for drawing and painting. I always felt drawn to sketching faces and often used friends as my muse. I sold my first colored pencil portrait drawing at 16. Ever since, my art has been expressed through different forms. I married and became a mom at 24 yrs old. When my oldest daughter, who is now 24 yrs old herself, was in Kindergarten I was asked to facepaint at her school family event. I immediately took a liking to it and dabbled in it for friend's events and church functions for years after that. It developed into a more professional pursuit within the past 7 years. Another personal joy is caricature drawing.With my background in portraits, I maintain an ability to capture likeness in cartoon sketches. I'd say my art has changed according to the stages of my family life. My children (5 girls and 1 boy) have demonstrated musical and artistic talent as well. Their participation in Musical Theatre programs opened up opportunities to create scenic painting and prop productions. I get to do this every year for our school theatre program and summer theatre camp. Since I am employed as a full time special education teacher's assistant at a Chicago Public School, I  have done school murals at my workplace as well.

I'm so grateful and blessed to have been able to maintain a creative life for over 35 years. It brings me much joy that I can share tangibly with others.

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