My name is Alejandra Diaz and the little one I’m holding in the picture is “Coyam”, which means oak in Spanish.  This was the name given to him by the Mapuche, the native people of Chile, and symbolizes strength.  He was born in 2011 and when the time came for me to return to my teaching job, I could not leave him, so I decided to take another year leave of absence. Having the time to spend with my son is the greatest gift and it has also allowed me to focus on one of my passions which is fine arts.  I have been drawing my whole life but have always given my work to family and close friends. Coyam has given me his strength to take my artwork to the next level and share this gift with others.
I am mostly a self taught artist.  I took art classes in high school and a few my first year at the University of Alberta but I hold a diploma in Theatre Arts and a B.Ed., not an art degree. Despite no formal training, I have been practicing and discovering new ways of perfecting my art work, for as long as I remember holding a pencil.  In the process, I have won the Marguerite D'youville Award for Artistic Excellence and first place two years in a row at Pastels on Pavement. 
Being able to create these portraits and, not only draw or paint, but capture a family’s essence is what I strive for.  Creating these special keepsakes for families is what I find the most fulfilling as an artist.  I look forward to capturing these memories for you.