Living in many places throughout my life, I have compiled many wonderful things useful in my art. I have drawn on my experiences in the United Kingdom, Northeast Ohio, the Southwest United States, as well as many world-traveled vacations. References to many cultures can be seen in my art, and I am often “hangry” for every taste from fish and chips, to pernil and tostones. An evening glass of red wine is often my go-to palette cleanser, to help drown a long day of motherhood whines. (*giggle*)

Born in the United States, I am English, Irish, and German by lineage. About fifteen years ago, I met Puerto Rican hubby Rick. We have two beautifully crazy, creative kiddos, and are navigating the southwest Texan-Mexicano life together, one brisket burrito at a time.

The essence of this piece was to combine traditional collage techniques of paper, marker, and pencil, with the digital aspects of brushes in Procreate on the iPad. In using Procreate, I was able to achieve the night light version of this traditional piece.

PLEASE FOLLOW ME as I embark on a quest to enjoy, learn from, and raise my little bamBEANos, in the best way this Mama Chickpea can. Art is my "balance" to life and I enjoy all the DIY therapy I can handle!

Artwork © copyright Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea.