ARTIST:

b. 1978 Panama, Rep of Panama.

I was raised straddling diverse cultures, so I strive to capture the vibrant richness of the world around me. I take the things that come to me, whether physical, like feathers and flowers, or intellectual, like stories and experiences, and I incorporate them into my artwork.

SURVIVOR:

In Dec of 1994, I was 16 when I was raped. Years passed, and I found no words to speak about that experience. In Dec of 1999 I began painting. My images became visual protests. I found my voice through my art.

SCHOLAR:

I graduated from Spelman College in 2000, and from the University of Virginia, School of Law in 2005. I am now a fulltime artist and activist. I believe art is the most powerful tool at my disposal for reaching communities and transforming society.

With my images I find myself theorizing: If a Whore can't be Raped Can an Angel?

- How does our acceptance of certain rape myths and stereotypes compromise community safety?
- How do victim-blaming beliefs put each of us in jeopardy?
- If we believe some people deserve to be raped, then we have to allow for error and accept that at any moment any one of us could be deemed the "whore" deserving of such an attack.
- How do we establish the truth: NO ONE DESERVES TO BE RAPED.

I use my art as an educational tool, to create the safe space necessary to engage the community in conversations about how sexual violence impacts everyone.

SPEAKER:

I began using my art as a tool for community education, healing and empowerment in 2003.

So far, the furthest I have traveled to present a workshop has been Croatia. The closest has been a local girl's home. And I've thoroughly enjoyed everything in between.

When I speak, I speak for survivors of sexual violence. I do not represent them, because it is virtually impossible to represent a silent, isolated community that rarely makes its voice heard.

I speak for them, so that they will know that the violence they experienced was not their fault, and so they will know that they are not alone.

ACTIVIST:

I am on the advisory council for The Art of Surviving, a Virginia based exhibit that shares stories of victimization and healing told through survivor's poetry and art. I am a member of ALAS (a Latina alliance against sexual assault).

I actively support organizations and groups working to create peace and inspire change. I enjoy collaboration, so please contact me if there is anything I can do to support your efforts.