Tell us how you got started as an artist. What drew you to painting?
Finding a style needs to come naturally. I see many young talented people looking and imitating the latest trends and styles and I remember going through the same temptations early in my career. 
 
Style will never come when it is forced, it needs to happen naturally, needs to be the result of life experiences, travels, beliefs, the kinds of things that inspire you in everyday life such as music, food, color, texture, family, politics, etc. With the passage of time you look back and surprise yourself by discovering a consistency in a personal style or "feel" to your work.

Mexico continues to influence me, having a second home there, I am connected to its past, its color, music, its history and one of my favorites..."texture."  I love old Mexican walls that show the years of wear, the many layers of paint that have been applied, they are like books that invite you to sit, observe and imagine.
 
Book Fiesta! is your second book with text by  Pat Mora. What was the experience of working on this book like?
I love Pat's writing, she understands her audience and has this contagious enthusiasm and passion for what she does. She is very encouraging to every artist she works with. Obviously this creates a very inspiring atmosphere to create your best work.

She is also a highly accomplished and respected author so it is always an honor to be working with her again.

Besides children's books you've created murals on buildings, posters, postage stamps, and editorial illustration. What's your favorite?
Every project is different and I welcome the challenge. I feel very lucky to work on something different every day. Murals are fun because is the result of group participation. I encourage families, parents and kids to take part in the creation of Murals. Stamps are challenging because you have to convey so much of the message in a very small area. Finally editorial illustration challenges you to create a visual solution to abstract or difficult subjects.
 
We're interested in your upcoming projects. What are you working on?
I just created 3 paintings as a gift to Oprah Winfrey and her school in South Africa. They were given to her recently; inspired by her continued support and commitment to learning and advancement of girls around the world to become world leaders and as she puts it "Sit down on the table to make the decisions of the future."