Long before I became a contemporary artist, I filled sketchbooks with comic-inspired drawings. I never imagined those early sketches would one day connect me to an invitation to speak at San Diego Comic-Con.

Original sketchbook drawing (1992), created when I was 19 years old. This drawing reflects my early interest in comics and visual storytelling.

In 1992, I created this drawing when I was 19 years old. At the time, I loved comic books. I spent hours drawing characters, studying movement, and learning visual storytelling.

I never imagined those early sketches would become part of my journey as an artist.

I continued drawing, experimenting, and building my skills. Over time, my work evolved into contemporary painting, spray paint, mixed media, and ASL-inspired visual language. The lessons I learned from comics—composition, movement, and visual storytelling—have stayed with me ever since.

"I never imagined that a sketchbook from 1992 would one day connect me to a Comic-Con panel."

This year, I'll be speaking on a Comic-Con panel for the first time. It's meaningful to see how an early passion for comics eventually became part of my journey as a Deaf contemporary artist.

Why This Panel Matters

I'm honored to participate in Deaf Representation in Popular Culture: Year V at San Diego Comic-Con 2026.

As a Deaf contemporary artist, my work explores communication, identity, and visual language through painting, mixed media, video art, and public exhibitions. Throughout my career, I've sought to create work that encourages conversation and expands the way people think about Deaf culture and visual storytelling.

Representation isn't only about who appears in comics, film, television, or games. It's also about who creates the work, whose perspectives are included, and how those stories help shape our understanding of one another.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to join fellow panelists in a conversation about Deaf representation in popular culture and to share how visual art contributes to that dialogue.

Panel Information

Deaf Representation in Popular Culture: Year V

Friday, July 24, 2026
7:30 PM

Complete panel details are available on the official Comic-Con schedule:

https://comiccon2026.sched.com/event/2Qa0P/deaf-representation-in-popular-culture-year-v

If you'll be attending San Diego Comic-Con, I hope you'll join us for the discussion. Whether your interests are comics, film, television, art, accessibility, or Deaf culture, I'd love to see you there.

Looking back at this drawing from 1992 reminds me that every sketch, every experiment, and every opportunity has helped shape the artist I am today. I'm grateful for the chance to share my perspective at Comic-Con, and I look forward to continuing the journey.

I hope to see you there.