"I believe that art is and extension of ones self it can be use to personify an
individual in a greater light than one is in. By creating an entire new way of seeing
things one can transcend all ways of communication to make a point to the viewer.
No other way of communication strikes a furious blow and leaves the viewer in awe
without making a single sound. Once you've seen a great piece of art it will always
leave a haunting echo in ones mind. And this is why I paint. Nothing else is greater
than the power of creation. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment when I reach an
individual with a line that I have drawn."
I was born in Mexico City, on blank, blank, 1974. At the age of three my parents
immigrated to South Central Los Angeles where I lived most of my childhood. I
developed an interest in art at a young age. Even though I did not practice much
and felt that I had no talent, others saw things differently and would encourage me
to draw. I didn't.
In the summer of 1987 I would once again gain an interest in the visual arts. My
main interest at that time became an outsider form of expression, called "Graffiti", it
became my inspiration. In the beginning I mostly painted my name (DUCE) on any
surface that caught my attention but that soon became boring. After a while I
became more experimental and sought new possibilities to voice my creative side. I
painted my first mural in 1988, it wasn't anything great but it sure felt that way.
Throughout the years I have painted murals all over the city of Los Angeles and
exhibited extensively in the West Coast. I have also lectured at universities and
high schools on urban expressionism (Graffiti).
I am currently an active Graff-artist and art Director of Artists With a Vision, (an arts
collective composed of L.A.'s finest graff artists) in which I actively
facilitate/organize graffiti events such as, graffiti art exhibits, painting events, and
mural collaborations.