From The Way I See It Collection

To be honest, I'm not a Tupac fan.  When I was first asked to create a portrait that captured his essence, I immersed myself in his music to better understand him. As I listened, I was struck by the connection between Tupac's message and Bruce Hornsby's song The Way It Is. Decades apart, both artists confronted the realities of inequality, injustice, and the need for change. Their words remain just as relevant today.

Inspired by Tupac's unapologetic call for justice and humanity, I created That's Just the Way It Is, a portrait that reflects not only who he was, but how I experienced his voice and message.

This work is part of The Way I See It, an ongoing mixed media portrait series that reimagines well-known figures through my unique artistic perspective. Each piece blends graphic design, hand-painted acrylics, metallic accents, and hand-applied glass-cut stones to create richly textured, dimensional works that celebrate both the subject and the emotions they evoke.

Rather than striving for photographic realism, The Way I See It invites viewers to see familiar faces through a new perspective one shaped by memory, emotion, culture, and lived experience.

Why I Sing

From The Way I See It Collection

During a brief stay in Memphis, Tennessee, which was about 2 months, I found myself immersed in the city's rich musical heritage. It was there that I began to understand the profound influence of B.B. King, not only as a legendary blues musician but as a cultural icon whose presence and legacy continue to resonate throughout Memphis.

Why I Sing is my interpretation of B.B. King through my lens. rather than creating a literal portrait. I sought to capture his larger than life personality, his innovative spirit, and the emotion that flowed through every note he played. His music was bold, expressive, and timeless, in hindsight, I wanted this artwork to reflect that same vibrant energy. B.B. King wasn't confined by convention, so I chose to celebrate him with fearless color, texture, and movement.

The Way I See It is an ongoing mixed media portrait series that reimagines influential figures through my personal artistic perspective. Each work combines graphic elements, hand-painted acrylics, metallic finishes, and hand-applied glass-cut stones to create richly layered compositions that invite viewers to experience familiar icons in a new way.

This series is less about creating an exact likeness and more about revealing the feeling, spirit, and impact each individual leaves behind. Through color, texture, and mixed media, I hope to create portraits that are as memorable and dynamic as the people who inspired them.

Warning

From The Way I See It Collection

The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) and Tupac Shakur are two cultural icons in hip-hop history. Both artists left an undeniable mark on music and culture, and both were taken far too soon. While I admire the artistry of both, I have always been especially drawn to Biggie's storytelling, lyricism, and unforgettable presence.

Warning is inspired by one of my favorite photographs of Christopher Wallace, but this work goes far beyond portraiture. As with every piece in The Way I See It, I wanted to explore what lies beneath the surface. The background is layered with words and visual references that reflect my interpretation of the pressures, expectations, and conflicts that surrounded his life. Look closely and you'll notice the green eye, a symbol of envy, along with other hidden elements that invite reflection and conversation.

This piece is intentionally designed to reward repeated viewing. Every layer has meaning, and each viewer may discover something different. My hope is that Warning becomes more than a work of art, it becomes a conversation starter about success, fame, vulnerability, and the cost of greatness.

The Way I See It is an ongoing mixed media portrait series that reimagines influential figures through my personal artistic perspective. Each work combines graphic elements, hand-painted acrylics, metallic finishes, and hand-applied glass-cut stones to create richly layered compositions that encourage viewers to experience familiar icons in a new way.

Rather than striving for photographic realism, this series seeks to capture the emotion, complexity, and legacy of each individual. Through color, symbolism, texture, and mixed media, I invite viewers to look beyond the face and engage with the deeper story each portrait has to tell.

Strawberry Fields

From The Way I See It Collection

I've always been a huge Beatles fan. Their music has been a constant source of inspiration, and their influence continues to transcend generations. While I wasn't alive during Beatlemania, I vividly remember seeing footage of their performances, the iconic bowl haircuts, and the excitement they inspired. As the saying goes, the soul lives on, and so does timeless music.

Although this portrait is titled Strawberry Fields, it was created while listening to my favorite Beatles song, "Eleanor Rigby." The song's haunting meditation on loneliness deeply influenced the emotional direction of this piece. As I worked, I found myself thinking about "all the lonely people" and the quiet stories they carry.

To honor that sentiment, I incorporated wooden flowers, pearls, and hand-applied glass-cut stones into the composition. These materials symbolize beauty, remembrance, resilience, and the hidden value found in lives that are often overlooked. Together, they create a portrait that celebrates not only The Beatles' enduring legacy but also the emotional depth and humanity woven throughout their music.

The Way I See It is an ongoing mixed media portrait series that reimagines influential figures through my personal artistic perspective. Each work combines graphic elements, hand-painted acrylics, metallic finishes, and hand-applied embellishments to create richly layered compositions that invite viewers to experience familiar icons in a new way.

Rather than pursuing photographic realism, this series explores the emotion, symbolism, and legacy each subject leaves behind. Through color, texture, and mixed media, I invite viewers to look beyond the portrait and discover the stories, memories, and emotions that continue to connect us across generations.

Go Tell Mama

From The Way I See It Collection

Etta James' story is one of extraordinary resilience, talent, and perseverance. As a biracial, full-figured woman building a career in the music industry during the 1960s, she faced challenges that extended far beyond the stage. Learning about her life and the obstacles she overcame gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the music business, the importance of self-worth, and the strength it takes to remain true to yourself.

This piece began with a simple question: What if Etta James were an emerging artist today? I imagined how she might express herself in the present day while maintaining the confidence, elegance, and authenticity that defined her. I envisioned contemporary fashion, a modern hairstyle, dramatic lashes, and refined makeup not to change who she was, but to celebrate how timeless her spirit and style could be across generations.

Go Tell Mama is my tribute to Etta James' enduring legacy. It bridges past and present, honoring her unmistakable voice while reimagining her through my own artistic lens.

The Way I See It is an ongoing mixed media portrait series that reimagines influential figures through my personal artistic perspective. Each work combines graphic elements, hand-painted acrylics, metallic finishes, and hand-applied embellishments to create richly layered compositions that invite viewers to experience familiar icons in a new way.

Rather than pursuing photographic realism, this series explores the emotion, symbolism, and legacy each subject leaves behind. Through color, texture, and mixed media, I invite viewers to look beyond the portrait and discover the stories, memories, and emotions that continue to connect us across generations.

No More Bananas

From The Way I See It Collection

Josephine Baker's life is a testament to courage, resilience, and unapologetic self expression. She was more than an entertainer, she was a trailblazer who challenged racial barriers, defied societal expectations, and used her platform to advocate for justice and equality. Her confidence, elegance, and fearlessness continue to inspire me.

The title, No More Bananas, references the iconic banana skirt that helped launch Baker's career while also acknowledging the complexity of that image. Although it became one of her most recognizable symbols, Josephine Baker's legacy extends far beyond the costume. She was an accomplished performer, a Civil Rights activist, a member of the French Resistance during World War II, and a woman who continually redefined what was possible for Black artists on the world stage.

Creating this piece led me to reflect on both history and the present. Baker achieved extraordinary success during an era when segregation and racial discrimination were deeply entrenched. Her story reminds us that progress is never inevitable, it is earned through courage, sacrifice, and persistence. As conversations about civil rights, equity, and inclusion continue to evolve, her legacy challenges us to consider how we preserve the freedoms and opportunities won by those who came before us.

No More Bananas is my tribute to Josephine Baker's strength, humanity, and enduring influence. Through this portrait, I celebrate not only her beauty and charisma but also the conviction that made her an icon whose impact continues to resonate across generations.

The Way I See It is an ongoing mixed media portrait series that reimagines influential figures through my personal artistic perspective. Each work combines graphic elements, hand-painted acrylics, metallic finishes, and hand-applied embellishments to create richly layered compositions that invite viewers to experience familiar icons in a new way.

Rather than pursuing photographic realism, this series explores the emotion, symbolism, and legacy each subject leaves behind. Through color, texture, and mixed media, I invite viewers to look beyond the portrait and discover the stories, memories, and emotions that continue to connect us across generations.