From the time that I was a little girl I was fascinated with the wonderful world of art! My first exposure to arts and crafts was through my mother's hands. Growing up by my mother's side was wonderful as she was and still is creating and selling new crafty projects. Little did she know she influenced me to appreciate and become passionate for the wonderful world of art!
After High School, I attended San Diego State University, then transferred to Cal State San Bernardino while exploring a teaching degree as well as an art degree. Despite confronting several obstacles over the years including being involved in an auto accident which set me back a few years, I finally reached my goal, and graduated with a B.A. in Art education with an emphasis in Studio Art. Since my first year attending college in 1991, I worked in schools at Rialto Unified and San Bernardino City Unified in various positions but always working with students. Recently I worked for 5 years as part-time Art Instructor at Norton Science and Language Academy servicing just over 800 students in grades ranging from TK to 8th. Overall, I have worked with kids from Tk up to high school level in the classroom as well as on the field and at Chicano leadership conferences in Sacramento. Sharing my love of art and education has always been and continues to be a passion I pursue.
Currently, I am homeschooling two of my kids including one who is on the spectrum. I left art teaching position to be with them. Since 2006, I began to use my art experience and run my freelance company from home. I create everything from one-of- a kind Fine art to painting murals, graphic design, as well as fulfilling one of my dreams of becoming and children’s’ book illustrator and have published my art with three authors. In addition to creating permanent works of art, I also have become a full-time professional face painter for many corporations and private clients. Face painting has taught me so much, and it has become a blessing in helping me continue sharing my talent, working with kids and the public while having the opportunity to be home with my kids. Lastly, I love to weave my love of nature with my artwork in photography and painting and hope to soon open an art studio to teach kids with art lessons, and nature photography.
I consider no project too small and I take pride in my work. I offer a variety of art experiences so that anyone can enjoy making art and being creative! I believe art should be for everyone to enjoy!
Thank you for taking the time to read my Bio!
-Claudia