Etna Cruz

I’m a Mexican-American artist shaped by a life filled with color, craft, and creativity. I work in mixed media, blending acrylic paint with layered materials like paper, beads and found textures to tell vibrant stories—many inspired by books, flowers, and heartfelt moments. I love color—bold, joyful, unapologetic color—and I infuse it into everything I make.

Creativity has always been around me. My mom, a retired teacher, once built a working time machine tunnel for her students—complete with, sound, lights and fog. My dad, trained in plastic arts, sculpted school projects that felt like museum pieces. I grew up surrounded by imagination made real. From cake decorating and jewelry making to photography, candy crafting, and floral design, I followed my curiosity into every corner of creativity.

Paper quilling opened a new chapter for me—delicate coils of color shaped with care pulled me into the world of art. But the ultimate turning point came from watching my husband, surrealist artist Bissi Cruz, thrive in his own artistic journey. His passion, discipline, and boundless imagination gave me the little push I needed to dive in fully.

Now, in every piece I make, I combine what I’ve learned with what I feel. My work is a reflection of memory, joy, and identity, I want my art to make people, smile, and feel energized or warm—with every colorful layer.