About: In a Nutshell

My goal is to empower unapologetic idealists through art, design, and education.

I’m an American/Portuguese interdisciplinary artist recently returned to Italy after almost a decade in Myanmar and Malawi.

ARTIST

After over 20 years as a digital artist, in 2021 I reconnected with my fine art roots. My mixed media drawings are inspired by the ambitious mission statements of the world’s top organizations and serve as both a call to action and a visual meditation. These works invite positive energy into living and work spaces, and explore symbols and patterns with cross-cultural significance. My favorite themes include diversity, inclusion, unity, and oneness.

In 2025, I presented my solo exhibition The Art of Reset during Rome Art Week, transforming a Vatican-owned sacred space into an immersive experience of light, sound, and geometry. This multisensory event invited visitors to pause, breathe, and reconnect; reflecting my ongoing exploration of art as both a healing and connective force.

My time living in the developing world also informs my art. Earlier in my career, I worked as an animator, with short films screening at over 75 international festivals including at Cannes Short Film Festival, Italy International Film Festival, and Sunscreen Film Festival where I earned numerous awards for Best Animated Short Film.

PROFESSOR

As an educator, I’ve taught at universities and organizations on four continents. I co-founded the Digital Media track of the Communication Program at The American University of Rome, where I taught full-time from 2006, earned tenure in 2009, and led the Film and Digital Media Program from 2013 to 2016. From 2016 to 2019, I expanded my teaching to academic institutions and NGOs in Myanmar, including  American University of Myanmar. Currently, I offer in-person, hybrid, and online courses for individuals, international organizations, and universities.

CONSULTANT

In addition to my fine art practice, I’ve worked as a designer, educator, and consultant for agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), The British High Commission, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Food Programme (WFP), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and The Australian High Commission. I’ve developed training programs for diverse audiences and have reached over 90,000 online students from 191 countries since 2014. My learners range from refugees and diplomats to individuals living on less than $2 USD a day, reflecting my commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

What can I help you with today?

What Drives Me

As a teen, I wanted to create art that healed people, sparked empathy, and made others feel empowered. While I’ve worn many hats over the years, including professor, designer, consultant—I’m now circling back to that original vision.

These days, I try to create images that carry intention. Many of my drawings are built like visual meditations: slow, symbolic, layered with ancestral patterns and energy. I like to think they offer what I call “impossible gifts”… things you can’t buy in a store, like calm, strength, or presence.

If one of my pieces brings someone comfort or inspiration, I consider that the real success.

Curious about the idea of art as an “impossible gift”?  Read the full story and come visit my studio in Rome.

Education

• M.F.A., Graduation With Distinction. Computer Graphics and Interactive Media, Pratt Institute (Brooklyn, NY)
• B.F.A., Graduation With Distinction. Painting, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, (Boston, MA)
• Diploma in Social Innovation. UPEACE Centre for Executive Education

In the News

See recent articles from print and the web

More

View CV  (for UN organizations and NGOs)

View Artist Resume (awards and exhibitions)

Artist Statement