As the son of Portuguese immigrants, my father instilled in me the importance of hard work, while my mother cultivated my creative essence. Having ventured across the globe as a Marine and now serving as a 20-year veteran in the Fire Service, the influence of such professions and their traditional ethos permeates my art. Many of the raw materials that I transform into sculptures have been salvaged from discarded items or discovered alongside the roads I've traveled. This is where I encourage viewers to explore deeper into my creations—the merging of man-made components and remnants of the natural world serves as the bridge between human and nature's artistry. My approach to painting diverges into two paths: delving into abstract works that evoke my inner creative child, and crafting intricate pieces inspired by the myriad wonders that capture my imagination.