I started painting about eight years ago.
During my childhood, I loved arts and crafts and would doodle in my notebook, but I started taking it more seriously as I got older. I was going through a tough time in my life and needed an outlet other than dance.
Dance is my passion, but it was also a job and I wasn't feeling fulfilled.
During the tough period in my life, I would sit in my studio apartment in North Hollywood and paint. My big homie (Mike) would come through to check out my work and we'd talk about it.
At the time I wasn't showing anyone my work, only Mike.
I was sad and my paintings helped me get through the sadness.
Mike encouraged me to keep painting and suggested that I use this creative outlet and turn it into something special.
I started painting pictures for my family depicting whatever I thought would inspire them.
The great thing about this is they loved my pieces so much, they would showcase them on their walls.
It made me feel good to know that my family loved and enjoyed my work.
A couple of years later, I started incorporating my art in my dance.
I included painting in some of my dance performance; it was an amazing experience.
My artwork was first exhibited at RAWartists LA and then when I moved to New York, I started to show more of my paintings, I actually sold a piece.
Now my paintings are displayed in my company's productions and all around New York.
I'm happy to find a passion in my paintings, it has opened another door for me spiritually, creatively, and artistically.
If you are an artist, why and what inspires you to create?
I look forward to hearing from you.