I was born in San Jose, California. My father was from the state of Michoacan, Mexico and my mother’s family is from Mexicali, Baja California. Growing up in the border town of Calexico, California, I began my art career by making mud figures, drawing, constructing wood swords, slingshots and other projects.

The lack of having any store bought toys helped me to develop my creativity and technical ability because I had to use my imagination to make my own toys. My family moved to Los Angeles county in the early 1960’s where I attended junior high and high school in Wilmington. I won several art awards in high school including outstanding senior for Banning High School’s art department.

I graduated from Cal State Northridge with a bachelor of arts degree in graphic design. While in college, I studied for one summer in Mexico City at the famous Taller de Arte Grafica Popular. My career has been varied, working as Art Director for publications such as Lowrider Magazine, corporate marketing companies and several ad agencies. I also painted murals under grants from the California Arts Council and Citywide Mural Project. I am now focused on producing and exhibiting my art full time. I am the proud father of two adult sons, Joey, a Stanford University graduate , and Johnny, a UCLA graduate.