"I feel the need to assert my identity in the most militant way possible because otherwise, as an American, I am invisible. In a culture where nothing happens until it happens on TV, I don't exist. As an educated, native-born, English-speaking, fifth generation Mexican-American and a feminist, there is almost no reflection of me in the movies or television, which is almost as bad as being stereotyped. My paintings make my own statement that I am true to my emotions even if they are unpleasant ones like rage and obsession which may upset the viewer and I boldly declare that my passions, needs and desires are not pathological.  I often use my own face in my paintings. By becoming the stereotype I also break it, because as the artist I have control of the image and what it conveys to the viewer  I will use my activism and creativity to end injustice, intolerance and patriarchy at both a social and interpersonal level. I do not accept a hierarchy of genders (with men presumably at the top) because there is no justifiable basis for it and it does not serve me as a woman. Being "The Angriest Woman in the World" is a moniker I come by honestly and I can tell you that it takes years of insults and disrespect to reach the level of rage I'm carrying around. I demand the right to Self-Autonomy and my identity is intrinsically defined by my view and my experience and I will not allow others to define it externally."