resetreality

I committed to becoming an artist when I turned thirteen, working a summer job in theater with Gallery 37. I spent subsequent seasons with Gallery 37 to hone skills in graphic design, photography, and animation. My immigrant parents rejected my dream of going to art school, so I bet on my own audacity and went anyway. After overcoming many tribulations of self-loathing and self-doubt, I graduated from SMFA at Tufts with a BFA and Studio Diploma in Fine Arts.

After art school, I decided to bet on my audacity again and move to New York with nothing lined up. I have continued to make work over the last decade while juggling all sorts of jobs, including managing a Starbucks in Times Square. I took on additional gigs in libraries and museums over the years to make ends meet, often working seven days a week. Despite this, I have held onto my unyielding dream to create art in service of bringing more joy into the world. I draw from a diverse portfolio of experiences gained from working in the arts, higher education, social entrepreneurship, and community organizing. Living a full, curious life has deeply impacted the way I work and think about work and its impact on others. Drawing from observation allows us to really see each other as equal, as human, as unique, as beautiful. It’s taught me that we all have power if we choose to wield it.

Today, I live and work in The Bronx, New York, NY with my partner, Peter, and our cat, Spring. I completed a MS in Nonprofit Management from the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University. My core values are rooted in innovation, courage, inclusion, purpose, and kindness.