: The focus for my paintings and illustrations rely heavily on symbolism, color, and representation. Born into a military family and being of a multicultural background, I have traveled to many places across the United States, met a lot of diverse individuals who all influenced me in growth and art. I started drawing around age 10 and by the time I reached high school, I focused on illustrations of human figures, animals, and still lifes. Earning and receiving my BA from SFSU,  introduced me to oil  painting, which has become my main choice of medium. I still, however, indulge in other mediums: colored pencils, various 3D materials, and digital drawing platforms. To date I have completed 3 murals within San Francisco and am currently commissioned for a statue restoration project at a local church. I am also a co-founder of  A+A Studio Art, an upcoming online art shop and business with my fellow artist and sister, Arielle Ruiz.  My art, for me, is forever evolving and changing in terms of message, materials, execution and style. I want my art to reflect my growth and perceptions of the world around me!