When Debbie, from Ramie & Co, and I decided we were going to team up for a collaborative project - we had no idea a pandemic would come along and throw a wrench in our plans! But lo-and-behold that was our reality!
Debbie wrote a fantastic article about what it was like working together, mostly apart, during this world event. We had to get creative - but that is what we do best!
Clearly, from this ADORABLE photo we were able to get together after almost a solid month of proper precautions!
Two articles in the same week! I’m feeling incredibly thankful for all this recognition. It’s a little strange to feel joy during a pandemic - but I’m allowing myself to enjoy it nonetheless.
A big thank you to Molly Snyder, OnMilwaukee’s senior writer. She’s been sharing and highlighting various Milwaukee artists during the Coronavirus.
There's no blindfold on this Lady Justice.
OnMilwaukee published a piece on the mural I designed and painted with the help of LUNA - Latinas Unidas En Las Artes at the Milwaukee County Courthouse!
Thank you so much to every single person who has shown me and my artwork love and support. I'm experiencing all of this because y'all saw me and believed in me - and that helped me believe in myself.
“Milwaukee County Courthouse is in the process of getting adorned with lively, colorful murals by talented Milwaukee artists.
Funded by philanthropist and former county executive Chris Abele, the mission of the project is to not only bring life into the building, but diversity as well.”
– Molly Snyder, OnMilwaukee
I joined LUNA in September 2019 and had the honor of creating LUNA’s promotional poster for our grand opening event “Mi Abuelita’s Superstitions!”
Superstitions in today’s culture seem irrational - a childish fear of the unknown. In Latinx culture, however, superstitions have a thread of wisdom that have been passed down from generation to generation. These superstitions contain bits of ancestral advice, 'don’t go outside with your hair wet!' that are still being practiced today.
Superstitions can be specific to one's religion and culture however they can be personal as well. So come see the superstitions we learned and pick up along the way! And definitely share yours with us as well!
I’ve been wanting to give this challenge a go for so long! My friend and incredibly talented artist Charity Ekpo (cekpo_art on instagram) has been consistently cranking out beauties like these (image on the right). I admire her art for its originality and creativity. Also let’s take a moment to appreciate that color palette.
For a creative type - I steer clear of drawing strictly from imagination. It’s probably the perfectionist in me, but I feel much more comfortable working from references. That’s why I normally make art for other people, it’s custom and I ALWAYS have a reference.
So, this time…I made something for me. And yea, I still used a reference. What? I literally just got done saying I ALWAYS use one!
I hope you enjoy this real life doppelgänger :) I will definitely be doing more of these in the near future!
The finish line to success feels SO. FAR. I get hung up on the pressure - pressure I put on myself. And guilt, what a filthy and unnecessary feeling. Really, who has time for the guilt that isn’t even warranted? Not me. Where did these impossible standards come from? Why is there a finish line?
I want to sprint. But I know myself and I know I’ll get tired before I reach the end if I attempt to sprint the whole way. And this is when the guilt creeps in. I feel guilty for moving too slowly or for not making big enough strides. How long will this take?!
There’s a lot out there these days about finding success. How to be a better you. How to sell more art. How to reach more people. It’s all very stressful to think about all at once. It can be overwhelming!
If you’re left gasping for air, trying to reach your “finish line” this is for you.
Forget the finish line.
Define your goals.
Meet your goals and then make some more.
The future is full of possibilities - I encourage you to be flexible, curious and adventurous. When and if your goals lead to unexpected success - lean into it and explore your options.
I’ve come to realize it doesn’t matter what I make. It matters that I am actively exploring my craft, that I am visible, and that I am connecting with people. Find your people and inspire each other!
So, where is all this coming from?
I am surrounded by amazing artists who inspire me. I love that they are thriving in their craft and it encourages me to focus on my art as well. I wanted to share some of their amazing work, in hopes that you find some inspiration too.
Charity Ekpo
@cekpo_art
Daneisha Kay
@danishakay
Debbie Sajnani
@bowllick
My ears are met with the sound of crisp noisy plastic wrap - a rush of sound and then a waiting canvas before me.
I love running blindly, wildly, into that stark white expanse. Abstract painting, for me, is all about releasing, confronting, accepting and moving past my thoughts. You can be totally free - save for your own judgment and after you overcome yourself… It. Is. Exhilarating.
But what happens when you make marks before really settling into those thoughts? Catching the action before any pesky doubt bubbles up and breaks through. By the time it does, I’ve already made a few marks.
This is how I paint with emotion rather than calculated thoughts, with no clear plan for the end result. Of course...some planning still makes its way in.
What colors hold my interest at that moment?
How can I create value, depth, interest?
There comes a point in every painting that I resurface back into the real world and really look at what I’ve made. I sit back and reflect on my journey...ultimately that’s what I value most in the process, not the end result. What part of the process do you value the most? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Thank you for reading.