Merlo is a Boston-based artist who holds a Bachelors in Studio Art from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a 3D Animation Graduate Certificate from Northeastern University. Growing up in Mattapan and Dorchester, with frequent trips to Allston, Merlo grew up immersed in many different cultures that profoundly affected him and his artworks. His creativity is also inspired by his lifelong love of cartoons, comics and fantasy stories that continue to inspire him as an adult.
Often, his works are intended to represent the diversity that is the world, reflecting his belief that art should be dynamic in order to capture the complexities of the universe. He primarily works with oils, acrylics, sumi inks and watercolors, using these mediums to bring his visions to life.
