Through both staged and chance arrangements in her studio, Valdez creates a sense of intimacy with viewers, set to the backdrop of her vast collection of ornate textiles and lush potted plants. Various objects in her paintings act as both personal symbol and chance captured moment, offering a playful glimpse into the physical and psychological spaces of the artist’s studio. Autobiography innately plays a role in works, as Valdez, a once aspiring sociocultural anthropologist, is keenly aware of the potential for narrative that emerges from artifacts and environment.