Ever since I was a child, I have been drawn to art and different art mediums. I have had many inspirations, but the one that stuck was my Nino. He too is an artist, and I knew from early on that I wanted to be just as talented as he is.   I see drawing as a hobby more than a career I want to pursue. My art’s purpose is for my enjoyment and not for money or attention.

The mediums I used are pen and ink. I used a thick sheet of paper, drew my idea out, and then placed the paper on the wooden board I was given. The materials I used were Micron pens. I attempted different pen techniques such as stippling to create shadows and different shades in the water and rocks.

The inspiration for  this piece was from a mermaid legend called Serina. This is a story that has been told by many people in Guam and surrounding countries. I drew this piece to show people a legend that has been told by my ancestors.. This piece is about a young girl named Sirena, who was in love with swimming in the river and ocean. Sirena would always ditch her chores to swim in the river. One day, her mother and grandmother caught her in the river instead of collecting coconuts to eat. Sirena’s mother became furious and cursed Sirena by turning her into  a fish. Luckily, Sirena’s grandmother demanded that she remain half-human. A few moments later, her mother regretted what she had done to her daughter, but the damage was already done. Sirena then disappeared among the waves, never to visit her family again.