Bio
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I live for creativity in all forms. I’m a human, a hapa, an INTP, and an artist (in no particular order).
I’m married to the most fantastic man, Matt, who without, life would not be complete. We have been a pair, a team, and best friends for over 16 years. He is the other half of the Reynoso Compound and together we keep the creativity flowing. I have taken a long and sinuous road to get where I am, but I’ve stopped off at some interesting places along the way. The first two times we traveled to Indonesia we sold everything we owned, purchased one way tickets, and took off to an unknown (and once mysterious) land. We met a fabulous painter named Symon, who reminded us that it is possible to live your dreams.
Eventually, we opened up our “House of Art” gallery in Tirtagangga, Bali and spent over a year in total traveling throughout the Malay Archipelago. When we returned, I pursued my love for science and received my A.A. in Mathematics and transferred to U.C. Berkeley to study astrophysics. I eventually received my B.A. and M.A. (with a focus on Indonesian folklore) in South and Southeast Asian Studies (I told you it was a sinuous road!) at UC Berkeley. During this process, I lost my beloved muse, hero, and adviser, Alan Dundes, a man who taught me to ALWAYS follow my heart. After a difficult transition, I decided to move away from Southeast Asia and pursue my interests in Early American curiosities.
I am fortunate to have been trained in folklore by the master himself, and I am now working to fuse my art and academic training together. I’m currently a Doctoral Student at the University of California, Berkeley working on an interdisciplinary degree that combines Anthropology, Cultural and Visual Studies, History, and Folklore. My research focuses on early American exhibits and oddities and the corresponding narratives that coincide with this period (ie. Tales of Wonder, legends, and hoaxes). I am particularly interested in the display of humans and automata. If your interested in my current research, click on my “Research” page.
As for my artistic nature, I’ve been creating art ever since I can remember. I’ve had various art shows, found work at Universal Studios doing set design and scenic painting for seasonal events (Area 51, Scream room, Psycho room), and designed batik soft sculptures in Bali. I’ve been living in the Bay Area for 6 years, and I am focusing on paintings and posters.
I love writing and I intend on publishing my work on Folklore and Curiosities in Early America, as well several other ongoing projects I have up my sleeve. I’m always interested in collaborating with those who have similar interests.
I love meeting people who are obsessed with “something.” I live for life and I finally decided to listen to the wise words of my late advisor and to follow my dreams of creating art while combining my interest in academics. I never thought it was possible to do both – but it is!
Dreams and Living are synonymous to those who are not afraid to follow their hearts.
Artist Statement
I am fascinated by the unusual and anomalous. My proverbial paintings reflect my fervor for folklore and early American Amusements— juxtaposing images with proverbial sayings that often span centuries. I am interested in re-examining the representation of human displays (often those with “disabilities”) and popular amusements from this era. My work is a synthesis of my academic interests and my artistic expression.
Gallery Shows
“Ad: Convert”
Opening Reception: February 1, 2008
Rock Paper Scissors Collective
2278 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, Ca 94612
“Proverbial Amusements”
Opening Reception: February 1, 2008
Neptune Beach Amusement Museum’s
The Lucky Ju Ju Pinball Art Gallery
713 Santa Clara Avenue
Alameda, Ca 94501
“Holidayland”
BLANKSPACE Gallery
December 7th-17th, 2007
Holiday Cheer Receptions:
Friday, Dec. 7th 7-10pm and Sunday, Dec.16 12-5pm
6608 San Pablo Ave
Oakland, CA 94608
“Yelpers’ Reflections on City Life & Community Art, A Collection”
Space Gallery
August 9, 2007-August 19, 2007
Opening reception: Aug 16th, 2007
1141 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA
“Proverbial Wisdom”
Britt-Marie’s Wine Bar and Cafe
August 4, 2007 -September 7, 2007
Artist’s Reception: August 7, 2007
1369 Solano Ave Albany, CA 94706
“The New Collection”
House of Art
August 1999
Tirtagangga, Bali
Indonesia
“Indonesian Travels”
The Hub Cafe
124 E. Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton, Ca
November 1998
“Selected Works”
Symon’s Art Zoo Gallery
Champuan, Ubud Bali
September 1997
Indonesia
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