Punto de Partida (Point of Departure)

Artist Statement

This piece is part of a series to counter the negative way immigrants are portrayed in the media. They’re often depicted as stereotypically undesirable people who are a peril to us all. The reality is that we all benefit from immigrants’ contributions because they’ve helped build the America we know today. Most of my work explores the human condition and how we’re affected by time and emotions. I base my work on portraits of people who came to the United States at the turn of the century through Ellis Island and Angel Island. Native Americans are also included because they were forced to live as foreigners in their own land. African-Americans are presented as unwilling immigrants in the New World. The goal of my work is to spark a conversation about diversity, acceptance and understanding. I want the viewer to see that immigration brings more than just new faces. It also brings fresh ideas and unique challenges that will enrich our society.