Artist Statement

Our Mother's tongue is not our first language. Art is. Before we speak, we draw scribbles in sand. Pictures speak volumes when words fail us. Art is vocabulary in the making.

Art reflects how an individual sees the world. Illustrators draw upon a child's perception of the world when they create picture books. Using imagination, authors and illustrators are able to help children navigate life. After all, creativity and imagination is what a young child knows best; it is their language.

Before I could read, I understood the world through pictures instead of written words. Stories leaped off the pages of picture books and into my imagination. As a young child, I created sequels and prequels for characters I read about. Being an illustrator means that I too can create a launchpad for children's imagination.

• Sun: Pisces
• Moon: Scorpio
• Rising: Scorpio