The focus of my paintings and my work with the paper mache dolls began as personal journey to document my story and to talk about issues regarding the experiences of women of color and eating disorders.

Using the paper-mache doll as a point of reference, my workshops address how dolls can be used for therapy and the spiritual practice of working with them for healing.

The paper-mache doll is a wonderful medium to do so! Being a traditional toy that originated during the time of the Mexican Revolution, this distinctive traditional craft became the dear play object and companion for lower and middle class girls. Today, this tradition is struggling to survive, being kept alive only in the workshops of the few artisans that continue to produce paper-mache dolls, not for monetary gain but for the continuity of this beautiful art. Many of them have become teachers and collaborators and who’s dolls I use to make my own dolls and offer workshops.

My goal is to honor these traditions by raising awareness about artisan work and bridging together traditional art-making with practices of art therapy.