Vegas Nights

I’m a filmmaker born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. Having that my family has lived there since the 1920’s I couldn’t help but be influenced by the performances, lights, desert mountains, the juxtaposition of aesthetics, and most importantly the people. Inspired by the hypnotic and atmospheric invented-realities of Cirque Du Soleil at a young age, I participated in high level gymnastics until my focus of film skyrocketed at 8 years old after seeing the films Psycho and Coraline. The augmented realities from my dreams, nightmares, and childhood fears became my focus. Transforming them into Etherial worlds I could understand within my work became my goal.

Traveling the world helped broaden my perspective. Seeing locations such as Pompeii and the Vatican begged the question: What is art, and what is devastation? Growing up in “Sin City”, exploring my sexual identity whilst part of a conservative Roman Catholic community has added a unique dichotomy within my work. The Gemini darkness stemming from confusion with religion, and obsession with my uncle’s mysterious life and tragic death in the 1986 Aids epidemic reflects as an almost hellish-purgatory within the worlds and stories I imagine. It is one where all are alone, most are dammed, and even more are too late for redemption. These themes paired with my upbeat, electric, and colorful artistic influences mold a Burton/Méliés-esque image of trauma processed through a child’s eyes.

My goal as artist is to create a balance between modern themes with controversial topics and the nostalgic idiosyncrasies within various periods and chapters in cinema history such as the French and British New Waves. I love to challenge perceptions of expectation and the conventional character relationships beaten to death in the mainstream. I believe strongly in the art of cinema and the powers of how it can help people both cope, understand, or express themselves. I want to someday be a part of those legends and change makers who have shaped the world around them, leaving a positive impact that lasts far after they stop breathing.