I didn't grow up in an “art-minded” household, and as a kid I didn’t have the resources to pursue painting. But I always had a pencil and paper. And so I drew, and I drew, and I drew. At age 11, I entered my first art contest and won first place, including a cash prize of $2. That was the weekly Junior Artist Contest in the Sun Telegram Newspaper (now The Sun), San Bernardino, CA. It may not sound like much, but that little bit of recognition validated me as an artist. It fostered confidence, fueled a flame, and ignited a passion that’s been burning bright ever since.

It wasn’t until much later in life that I began painting, and I loved it, but when I started painting murals, it changed my life. I’ve found it’s the most effective way I can make a positive contribution to the world. I love to learn from other successful muralists, and was recently blessed with the opportunity to study with William Cochran (www.williamcochran.com).

I am an advocate of art-in-schools and public art programs, and Art & Culture as an Economic Engine. (See my Great Links page.)

ABOUT ECHO...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art is the driving factor of my life. I have always loved art, but it wasn’t until my senior year in high school that, with the encouragement of my art teacher, Mr. Hamilton I entered my first juried art show. I not only won 1st prize and $100, but I found a talent in myself that I didn’t know was there before.

At the end of my senior year I attended a college fair. It was just by chance that I happened to stop by the Art Institute of California booth. The design on their sign and brochure really caught my attention. A few weeks later after visiting the Art Institute of CA, Inland Empire campus, I applied. Because of my art and my high GPA, I was accepted for the next starting quarter after I graduated. My admissions counselor told me about a scholarship competition held by the Art Institute, and again, with the encouragement of Mr. Hamilton, I decided to enter.

It was a big package to put together and I didn’t have much time, but I did my best and met the deadline. I was nervous but hopeful. Busy finishing high school, I kind of forgot about it, but I’ll never forget the day when my admissions counselor called me and asked if I was sitting down… She told me I had won a first place tuition scholarship! I knew then that I was doing exactly what I was meant to do.

I am now in my second year at The Art Institute. I absolutely love it there. I will be receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design in 3 years instead of the traditional 4 years, because I am attending year-round school.

I am not sure what exact path I will follow with my degree but I hope to do big things with it. I love the design industry and how it can affect so many people with a single powerful image. I hope to affect millions with my images, and really encourage the youth of today to reach for their goals and use whatever talents they have to become successful. Art is just my tool and I plan on using it to the fullest.

Working with my mom has been awesome. She is an absolutely amazing artist and a huge mentor in my life. With our minds and brushes together, I know that we can create and achieve anything! We think, and therefore, we will become Larger Than Life.

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