El arte y la cultura hispana han tenido una presencia esencial en mi vida desde que era pequeño… Wait, sorry, I forget that not everyone understands my Hispanic tongue. I will try to keep it unbiased; but I make no promises. I was born in the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, Georgia, where I have lived ever since. To explain the Spanish that might have surprised you at the beginning, my family is from the small but rich South American country of Ecuador. My sister, mother, and dog are the basis of my community, but don’t be mistaken, "la familia" consists of 5 aunts and uncle and numerous cousins. This pretty much make up your stereotypical Latino family photo. Thus, as can be imagined, my life is anything but boring. From playing real "fùtbol"(soccer) with my family, to delving deep into the art of the cocina (kitchen) to being brought up by indelible morals and religious virtues, my background is an essential part of who I am. Mi cultura is rich with layers, flavors, and spices, all of which are transferred into my art. That’s one of the main reasons I love art; its the conduit through which I express the world of color that is my life. Following this sense, my favorite mediums to use are oil and acrylic paints. There is something in the vibrancy of their colors, especially in the realistic and organic look of oil painting, that just fascinates me. One of my favorite styles is Contemporary Impressionism which includes one of my favorite artistas, Daniel Wall. He has taken Impressionism one step further by creating his own style known as “Extreme Impressionism” in which extreme texture, intensified vibrant colors and exaggerated striking effects of lights are meant to model the intensity of modern life. As of now, I am a senior in high school who is ready to experience the real world around me and though my plans for after high school lean more towards the medical sciences, I will not forget “el arte y la cultura hispana” that has helped me grow as an individual. Regardless of my career, I will continue to carry and hone my artistic abilities in college and in life, allowing my Latino heritage to guide my hands.