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 For some, dreams are simply a succession of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that occur involuntarily in-the-mind during certain stages of sleep. We live them subconsciously, but they are doomed to dissolve at daybreak, or the sound of the alarm clock; we are fortunate if even a trace of them remains after they flee. If we are truly lucky, the experience endures, haunts and gnaws at us until we have no choice but to give it life, and color, allowing the reverie to manifest.

Mixed media artist Ernesto Guerra was born in Chicago, Illinois, the 11th of 12 children. Mr Guerra’s innate artistic abilities surfaced through necessity when the family could not afford Christmas ornaments; young Ernesto transformed saved leftover McDonald’s containers into his first objet d’art for the Christmas tree.

His burgeoning creativity was later stunted at age nine by a figure who should have been a source of encouragement, his fourth-grade teacher. Young Ernesto’s application to a school art contest was spurned, holding his destiny captive for more than 20 years, with the utterance of a single phrase: You are not talented.

Ernesto's dreams derailed the opportunity did not come calling again until he moved to New York City in 2000, where he would work for years, directing the demanding operations of the hospitality industry. Stricken with Tinnitus, caused by the excessive demands of the hotel industry, Mr Guerra realized he was in a job he no longer enjoyed; he finally heard his life speak to him.

One particularly grueling day, and an intolerable episode of Tinnitus, Mr Guerra decided New York was no longer the place for him, fleeing to Houston for the love and support of his family. It was his sister, Antonia, recalling Ernesto's excitement for art, purchasing an easel and other painting supplies, she reignited his passion. To Ernesto's pleasant surprise, immersing himself in art transferred his mind to another place, providing the desperately needed distraction from Tinnitus, the constant ringing in his ears.

Rejecting any submission to the subjectivity of art instructors, Ernesto took ownership of his artistic development, honing his craft through trial and error. The self-led experience gave him the necessary validation to reclaim his destiny, a gamble resulting in his work featured at such venues as the East End Studio Gallery, Talento Bilingue de Houston, MECA and Dionisio Winery.

A dear friend felt the magic and beauty of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico would be the perfect setting for Mr Guerra to create his most captivating art pieces. Art pieces frequently exhibited in well-known galleries, museums, and homes of his most devoted fans. "Painting allows me to completely immerse myself in the wonderful experience of creativity, providing me with the inherent healing powers only art can bring."
Painting, for me, is my medicine; I hope this experience helps others to heal and develop their dreams.