Tell us about your occupation, job title, or artistic discipline:

I am an illustrator, muralist and writer. I illustrate everything from recipes to surface patterns, editorial articles and children’s books. When I can, I pair my illustrations with my own writing (I also freelance as a advertising/copywriter, editorial and travel writer). Because of my training in advertising, most of my work is very idea-based. Some of the broad subjects I love to illustrate and write about are: travel, self-care/wellness, plant-based foods/veggies, climate action and animal welfare – which are all things I’m really passionate about!

What cities/towns have you lived in (or spent more than a few months in) beginning with the place of your birth?

I was born in Lima, Peru and immigrated to Vancouver, Canada when I was six years old, so I consider myself to be Peruvian-Canadian. Within Canada, I have also lived in Toronto and Montreal, for school and work, respectively. I spent a summer living in Barcelona, Spain and another in Sydney, Australia. I also completed an internship in Munich, Germany and I lived in northern Italy on and off over the course of three years. During that time, I volunteered on organic farms and it inspired me to take interest in land and food systems. It’s also how I perfected my Italian-speaking skills, my expressive hand gestures, and my cooking game, especially when it comes to carb-centered dishes. Last year I moved to New Zealand and I feel lucky to live in the Bay of Plenty!

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing? The ones that told you about the world?

I was pretty fortunate that I got to live in more than one country growing up (both Canada and Peru), so I learned a lot about these two cultures through first-hand experience. Before I was born, my dad lived in Germany and my parents lived in Argentina together. I loved hearing their travel stories and it inspired me live overseas and make some of my own.

What’s your favourite Bay of Plenty landscape, park, building, location, suburb, or side street? Why?

There are so many beautiful nature spots around the Bay! But I have to go with the classic – I love going for a walk up or around Mauao, especially at sunset, and then going for a soak in the Mount Hot Pools. It’s the perfect way to end the day.

What’s an average day in your life at present?

I start my mornings with a little journaling, followed by a nice, big breakfast. I catch up on emails. In the late morning, I’ll usually call home due to the time difference. Then I block off some hours to work on various illustration or writing projects, both personal and client-based work (right now I’m illustrating a children’s book and writing a magazine article, for example). In the afternoons, I try to go for a walk, go for a swim, do some yoga or catch up with friends, depending on the day of the week, the weather and how I’m feeling.

How do you want your art/work to make viewers feel?

My illustration is bright and fun, so I hope to transmit that to viewers. And while sometimes I do tackle heavier topics, like climate change for example, I always hope to convey a sense of lightness in my work. I find this makes difficult subjects more approachable and ensures that the message comes across in a digestible way. It’s the same for writing – I aim to be equal parts authentic and light-hearted.

What does success look like for you?

Getting paid to work on illustration and writing projects every day. Making a secure and stable living from my art and work. Collaborating on meaningful and inspiring projects with talented and like-minded people.

If you didn’t become an artist, what would you be doing?

It’s funny, before I became an artist and writer, I was trying to go to medical school. It’s very different from who I actually am and what I ended up doing, but I was convinced that was my career path because I have a passion for service and helping others. After my experiences on organic and animal farms during my travels, I believe in activism through plant-based foods. I love baked goods in particular so I could otherwise imagine myself running a plant-based bakery, leading food tours overseas, teaching cooking or something similar in the food sector that values good food, brings community together and makes a difference.

How do you know when an artwork is finished?

When your computer is frozen, it’s best to restart it. So I do the same when I’ve been working on something for too long – I power myself down and step away for a bit. Then I come back to it and it’s easier to know. Taking a break and fresh air always helps see things with a new perspective.

For you as a creative person, who are three influential artists or thinkers?

There are so many! I love Rupi Kaur, for her heartfelt words and her illustrations. Elizabeth Gilbert is another big inspiration, for her travel writing and her creative advice in the book, Big Magic. On the illustration front, I’m influenced by the whimsical and romantic style of Priscilla Aguirre, an artist from Costa Rica who runs the travel gift brand, Hola Lola.

If you went away from the Bay of Plenty for a long time and then came back, what are the first three things you would do or visit?

Go for a walk around Mauao, watch the sunset and swim at Pilot Bay and get some ice cream at Sea People.

Looking back at your teen-age self: what one sentence describes that person?

Being from two worlds but trying so hard to fit into one, without realizing the former was actually her superpower.

In one sentence, can you define art?

At its finest, art is your soul dancing like no one’s watching.

What is missing or lacking from your Bay of Plenty community or environment?

It would be amazing to have an accessible creative co-working and maker space in the Mount. And if there is one, I have yet to come across it!

What was your first real job, second, third?

My first job was babysitting for the neighbourhood kids when I was 11. It’s hard to believe people trusted me with their kids because I was a kid myself! My second job was editing the school directory for my high school right after I graduated. And my third job was working at a childcare centre when I was in university. It was so cute (and messy!) helping the little kids with their coats and snow pants during Canadian winters.

Where would you like to live, but have yet to?

I’d love to spend a little bit of time living in Paris, overindulging in croissants and baguettes and making art.

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring creative person?

Be protective of your dreams and don’t let anyone tell you that making art is not a viable career. If it’s what you love, let your heart lead and trust that everything else will fall into place.

What’s the biggest problem about life in New Zealand? How you would solve it?

As a recent transplant, it’s hard to touch on bigger topics in New Zealand. But personally, I’ve been having a hard time getting around without a car. It would be
great if more people put their cars on car sharing apps (like Turo for example, which is like an Airbnb for cars). It would make all of the beautiful surroundings more accessible for people like me and help others make a little side income too!

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