Born: Kisangani, Congo, Africa
BFA: Emphasis Painting, 1979, Academie Des Beaux-Arts, Kinshasa and Lubumbashi
Additional Studies: Notre Dame de la Sagesse, School of Interior Design, Brussels, Belgium, 1980-82
Currently a US citizen residing in Fort Worth, Texas

I am from the Kongo people. Before Columbus sailed to the New World, the Portuguese had already established trade relations with the kingdom of Kongo. Members of the royal court of Kongo attended the university in Lisbon. I speak the Kikongo language, as well as Lingala, Swahili, French and English. Congo is always in my heart although it has been many years since I have been there in person.

My country has a rich artistic and cultural history and the Congolese people have made important contributions to art and music. One of my goals with my art is to introduce our history and culture to others. When you know Africa you will love Africa.

I love learning about different ethnic and national cultures. I look for links that can unite people rather than divide them. Having lived on three continents has given me a broader interest perhaps than if I had only lived in one community all my life.

We must teach our children about other cultures so that they will grow up respecting them. This type of education is the most powerful tool one can use to bring people together in harmony.