I am Diné, from Mariano Lake, NM. I am born into the Edgewater People, for the Deer Spring Band. I state this because being Diné is who I am and I am proud of this, it is one of the many influences in my work. I have been creating art for as long as I can remember. In 1995 I graduated of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM. 

My work is influence by many things. I am of course influenced by my Diné traditions and upbringing. I am influenced by the ceremonies I attend, the healing that takes place at these ceremonies. I am however more than Diné. I am a man that lives and works in two worlds, the Diné world and the modern world I encounter everyday. The colors, people, sites, smells, and sounds of both these worlds influence and inspire me.

I am pulled to create abstract work. As I create a piece it takes on a life of its own. I find that my daily life seeps into my abstract pieces. I start each piece by building the first layer which acts a as a base of color. I often work with modeling paste in that base to provided texture. When I work with modeling paste I am reminded that life is full of texture, depth, and feelings. I then apply layer upon layer in one corner and let the painting grow, come to life. The colors in the pieces reflect my emotions. The feelings I experienced in a ceremony, or felt at a beautiful sunset. I add paper and wood and leaves to provide texture and depth. Sometimes the piece comes together within hours some times weeks. In all cases, I know the piece is done when I can walk away and not feel pulled to add more layers.