I was born in the Caribbean, on the island of Trinidad and migrated to New York City at age seven. Those formative years spent in the sun-drenched rainforest of the Caribbean, coupled with my coming of age experiences in the brick and mortar reality of the Bronx, continue to influence my work. I have since gained international exposure as an award-winning children’s book illustrator and fine artist. My books and paintings embrace an array of subject matters. Whether it is the African experience in early America, the civil rights movement, biographical icons, or any aspect of Caribbean culture, I try to imbue these varying subject matters with honesty and dignity. 

I accept that while I am a traditionalist, I refuse to allow the constraints of traditionalism to dictate my process or outcome. A strong sense of expression, narration, and light are my goals. I enjoy both oils and watercolor. The former, robust and durable yet highly pliable, allow me to make changes and adjustments over time. The latter is more fluid and spontaneous, which can sometimes lead to untethered and accidental results.   

I enjoy painting the experience of everyday people within their natural environments, capturing moments of triumph, courage, fear, shame, excitement, and melancholy. I am inspired by the underlying story, as there is a story told every moment in life. Subtext often determines the composition, pace, rhythm, and mood of my paintings.

It is my hope that my art serves humanity by helping to uplift the dignity of all people of color. I would like my work to be a source of cultural and spiritual healing.