Growing up in Oakland in the 1970s, my understanding of the world was certainly influenced by social and economic difference, but also by the city's incredibly rich history and strong sense of community. Being excluded created inclusion, and this dynamic informs my work today. I believe the collective unconscious transcends social, geographic, and economic boundaries and can be used as a universal language to communicate ideas and question our avowals. I am interested in examining history, particularly the metaphors, etymology, and mysticism that have been so integral to its progression.