I'm a native of Tucson Arizona but have really enjoyed living in Anchorage for the past 10 years. I went to commercial art school in Arizona but consider myself a "wanna-be" fine artist - creating most of my projects for unsuspecting family and friends. I am very excited about participating in Wild Salmon on Parade this year, turning in my proposal was the first New Year's resolution on my list! My salmon, "Fillet of the Dead" is an Alaskan take on "Day of the Dead" or "Dia de los Muertos". This uniquely Mexican celebration dates back thousands of years and is dedicated to honoring the lives of the deceased. In observance of this holiday graves are decorated, favorite foods are prepared and elaborate altars are created as family and friends gather in order to welcome the departed spirits home. Just as the salmon return each summer, dying as they swim upstream to spawn, this tradition reminds us that death is nothing other than another stage in life.