Print with Gold Leaf, 35” x 26”

Finding inspiration in Saint Abigail, patron saint of beekeepers, came easily. Life without bees would wreak global disaster since their pollination plays a critical role in maintaining biodiversity, slowing climate change and ultimately sustaining our survival.

"If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man."

—Frequently attributed to Albert Einstein
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Print with Gold Leaf, 35” x 26”

A survivor of kidnapping and slavery in 19th century Sudan, Saint Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of human trafficking victims. With this piece, I strive to shine a light on the hope and healing she offers to all who continue to suffer from this hideous practice.
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Print with Gold Leaf, 35” x 26”

After losing a friend to mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic, I stumbled upon Saint Dymphna, patron saint of mental illness. I conceived this image in my friend’s honor on the morning she died. I found it therapeutic to bring this piece to life as an expression of my own grief. I hope that others will also find solace in her presence.

We are all stars fading away, making our journey to a higher place.

Click image to hear her story.
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Print with Gold Leaf, 35” x 26”

This piece was the first in my series “Santos y Milagros”, which was created for a past solo “Día de los Muertos” show. She was a musician, painter and writer and, as an artist, I was inspired by her burning desire to create. Saint Catherine of Bologna paved the way for all of the following pieces in my “Saints” series.

Click to hear her story.
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Print with Gold Leaf, 35” x 26”

Femicide is an act of violence against women that touches all cultures, races and ages. For centuries, the victimization of women has known no boundaries throughout the world. 

This work of art honors all women who have died or disappeared as a result of violence perpetrated against them. In this ofrenda, the image of Saint Agatha represents the suffering of these women. Saint Agatha was forced to work in a brothel, brutally mutilated and eventually died at the hands of those who imprisoned her. Through Saint Agatha, this ofrenda captures the transition of women from their earthly anguish to divine transcendence. By elevating awareness for the plight of these women, I help the world remember them and give them recognition they never received here on earth.

Click to hear her story.
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Print with Gold Leaf, 35” x 26”

The senseless Russian invasion of Ukraine has left the world feeling bewildered, despondent and helpless. It has triggered the largest conflict in Europe since World War II with devastating and enduring humanitarian effects. In my dismay, I channel the energy of Joan of Arc to protect the Ukrainian soldiers and guide them to victory.

Click to hear her story.
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Print with Gold Leaf, 35” x 26”

Known for her exquisite physical beauty, St. Rose of Lima brought light and hope to those who were troubled. With this piece, I want to inspire others to find light in the darkness by seeking and celebrating the beauty in our world of social unrest, disease and war.

Click to hear her story.
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Print with Gold Leaf, 35” x 26”

Representation of the Black Madonna in Christian art goes back centuries. I was inspired by Black Lives Matter and other recent social justice movements to revisit and shed light on the unique beauty of this iconic image. Black Madonna of Light is my way of honoring the black community.
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Print with Gold Leaf, 35” x 26”

Acts of violence against children are the most difficult to understand and accept and have become prevalent in our world. I created this work in honor of all children who have had their lives taken from them too early. This piece especially focuses on the senseless death of one little girl, Melissa Ortega, who had recently emigrated to the United States from Mexico alongside her mother. In January 2022, eight-year-old Melissa was caught in gang crossfire and killed in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. After visiting Melissa’s street memorial, I felt compelled to create this work, which includes images of her shrine. My piece, Saint Philomena for the Innocent, takes inspiration from the virgin martyr who died when she was just 13 years old. St. Philomena is the patron saint of babies, children and youth.

Click to hear her story.
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Print with Gold Leaf, 35” x 26”

On June 24, 2019, in Matamoros, Mexico, Salvadoran migrant Oscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez and his nearly two-year-old daughter, Valeria, were found dead on the bank of the Rio Grande. Their heads were wrapped in a black t-shirt and Valeria’s tiny right arm was draped over her father’s shoulders. For many, the story of Oscar and Valeria became symbolic of the many migrants who risk death daily by crossing the treacherous Rio Grande river desperate for a better life in pursuit of the American dream.

In this piece, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants serves as a symbol of remembrance and protection for migrants. In 1889, she immigrated to the United States as the nation was becoming flooded with Italian immigrants to whom she provided support. She is the first person in the United Saints to be canonized.

Click to hear her story.