Why Dolphins?

As an Island Chumash Native American, the prominent dolphin theme you see is deeply personal, rooted in my family history, language, and ancestral stories.

The Story Behind the Dolphin Theme

• A Living Legacy: In the Chumash language, my last name translates directly to "dolphin."

• Ancestral Roots: My great-grandfather was born on Limuw (Santa Cruz Island), one of our traditional homelands within the Channel Islands.

• The Rainbow Bridge: In the Chumash origin story, dolphins are our literal relatives. When our ancestors crossed a rainbow bridge from the islands to the mainland, those who fell into the sea were transformed into dolphins by the Earth Mother to save them.

• Cultural Touchstones: This enduring connection between the Chumash people and dolphins is recognized globally, from the classic book and film Island of the Blue Dolphins to references in the movie Dolphin Tale.

Where Heritage Meets Art

Every piece of art I create is a dialogue with the natural world. My heritage teaches that we are interconnected with the land and sea, and I translate that profound bond into visual expression.

Thank you for visiting. I invite you to explore the galleries, connect with the stories behind the canvas, and experience the natural world through an Island Chumash lens.

See Me

Some of my works throughout the years

Koi River

A massive print job I did that created a simulated river in a jewelry store.

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