I work mainly in the Spanish Colonial Art tradition, carving and painting retablos and bultos in the New Mexico style. I was born and raised in Denver Colorado. I started drawing at a very young age, but I did not plan on becoming an artist. I am mostly self-taught, but I have taken several Art classes at Arapahoe Community College.

Art has never been my main focus in life, family has always been first. Fast forward with family; in the mix of life, the outside world throws you into so many emotions. I never thought, considered or wanted to be an artist. But life guides you to other paths to follow. The extremely tragic event of 9-11 triggered me to find a way to share the positive things in life. I didn’t understand that I needed an outlet to communicate my emotions. So this is where my artistic journey begins.

My first serious artwork was a rather large grid-like acrylic painting of Cesar Chavez, it was painted in the manner of Chuck Close. With this painting, I learned how to develop a concept, use a variety of painting techniques and grasp and experience basic color theory. That painting was my steppingstone into the art world. I started to explore a variety of mediums, from pastels, charcoal, to watercolor and gouache. From there I joined Denver’s, Chicano Humanities and Arts Council Gallery, CHAC. My very first exhibit was at CHAC Gallery.

It is at this point, around 2002, that I began my interest in painting retablos, it has become my passion and my spiritual journey. I am mostly self-taught with retablos and bultos. I began to research the life works of historic santeros (saint-makers) and also learning from other contemporary santero artists. I have been blessed on this journey with the help of people who have encouraged me to continue carving and painting retablos. I am married to artist Carlos Fresquez, he has been my mentor and rock. My mentors in santero art have been Teresa Duran, Jose Esquibel, Carlos Santistevan and Frank Zamora. Part of santero artmaking are bultos; I have learned how to carve saints out of wood. I was in an art group of women called “Chicks With
Knives”, taught by Judy Miranda. Judy taught us a variety of carving techniques.
The paint medium I use are natural pigments over gesso on wood.