Artist Statement I enjoy painting still lifes because they require a heightened sense of awareness and observation. Painting what the eye sees, and then simplifying to capture a mood, has always fascinated me. The subjects are familiar and ordinary, but they serve as a framework for exploring color, light, reflections, and spatial harmony. The interplay of color, shifting reflections, and carefully arranged forms is very appealing. While people never appear in these paintings, their presence is often implied. The arrangements suggest that someone has just stepped away. These quiet moments invite viewers to bring their own memories and experiences into the work.Artist bio I am a Peruvian-born multidisciplinary artist based in Southern California. Growing up as an introverted child in a busy and loud country, I found refuge in drawing, painting, and writing stories. That early love for imagining and observing the world is still present in my art practice today.While my approach has long centered on the figure, a self-imposed challenge in 2025 to create twenty paintings in twenty days led me to a renewed exploration of contemporary still life. It also brought back a sense of joy in painting. The project marked a return to prioritizing my own creative practice after years devoted primarily to family, teaching, and professional responsibilities. It reminded me not only why I paint, but also the importance of making space for myself as an artist.Travel is an important source of inspiration in my work. From road trips throughout the United States to travels in Spain, Denmark, Vietnam, and Mexico, I draw from the colors, histories, landscapes, and everyday visual experiences encountered along the way.I currently serve as Adjunct Professor of Art at Ventura College, where I teach Drawing & Composition and Color & Design. I hold a Master's degree from California State University and divide my time between teaching and maintaining an active studio practice. I live with my family in Ventura, CA.