For the past several years, I’ve been painting in oil, exploring different effects I can create with this malleable medium. Recently, I have been using shapes and colors to create mostly abstract paintings. Some of the shapes are abstract and others are elements of reality. My most recent paintings in this realm are inspired by alebrijes (ah-lay-bree-hays), a form of Mexican folk art. Alebrijes are wood-carved animals, people, things, or fantastical creatures. They are intricately painted with bright colors and patterns. The colors I use are bright and saturated, the forms are more abstract, and all are painted with patterns and embellishments. Color is a predominant concern: I use color to imbue my work with visual excitement and beauty, but also with a sense of humor and playfulness.