A Warm (though rather chilly) Welcome to Michigan <3
For me, so much of living in Michigan is about the visuals.
The wide expanse of ochre farmland against a metal gray sky, the lace formed by iced-over branches, the deep emerald of frozen lakes. It may be really, really cold - but I am so glad that we moved to this state in the winter.
I feel like the cold encourages a different type of work from me; smaller, cozier images have started to emerge in my sketches. Moments of stillness. Perhaps that is the change of surroundings, the influence of the silence found in falling snow. Or perhaps my hands are just too cold to move any faster.
I did finally get a space heater, so the following weeks should be much more comfortable.
I’m just so grateful to be finally done with the whole “moving” thing. Living in such a transitory state while trying to get work done wasn’t easy, and I cannot overstate how thrilled I am to be back in my studio. In the coming weeks I’ll have more info on a little digital studio tour, I can’t wait to share my space with you all.
Hope the new year is off to great start for everyone.
We're Moving
Well, this is it.
It’s been an incredible 8 years here. So incredible in fact, that I am having a hard time sitting down to actually write this post. It’s not that I don’t want to leave; I know our path will always take us back to the north - but I am so grateful for having been here that I can’t help but be a little sad. Sure the traffic can be obnoxious, and the muggy, sweaty summer heat can certainly take some getting used to, but Miami has been and will always be a city of vibrancy and inspiration. I’ve made some friendships here that I will mourn when we drive away, and not just with people. (Though I will, and you know who you are!) The ocean was a constant companion to me. Visible from my studio window, I learned it’s colors and movement; it’s moods. My nightly running path took me along the coast, or down the bay and I grew to love the salt sting of the sea water mid-run. I know I will find other paths and trails, but nothing will replace the thrill of running with the waves.
I’ve shut all my shops down until January 2nd, I’m hoping that will allow me to unpack and organize before the new year. If there is a piece you’d like to place on hold in the meantime, simply send me an email and I’ll do my best to get back to you ASAP.
Otherwise, if you have any suggestions for successful cross-country moves I am all ears. The last time I did this was after college and I had a total of 3 tupperware tubs, so I am feeling all sorts of out of my element here!
I’ll check in occasionally via Instagram during the move, and can’t wait to get everything settled into our new home in Michigan.
Thanks for joining me for this part of the journey, here’s to the next chapters.
<3
Perspectiv at Macaya Gallery
Saturday night at Perspectiv, held at the Macaya Gallery here in Miami was a blast.
I was showing 5 new pieces, 4 made specifically for the show and my theme : Rising Tides.
(Works from left to right; Tempest 20 x 24, Tidal I 30 x 40, Convergence 18 x 24, Mellipulli 20 x 24, Tidal II 30 x 40)
It was a great crowd of 250-300ish, and I was so happy to be able to speak with so many about my work. I loved hearing what they saw in the colors, where their eyes went through the pieces and how the work effected them. Sorta like laying on a hill and looking up at the clouds.
The music was fantastic, the food was excellent and the whole vibe of the show had such a creative, collaborative energy, it was impossible not to feel inspired.
Thanks to everyone who came out, it was a truly magnificent evening!
<3
Sketching in South Pointe Park
I'm in the middle of a few ongoing projects, and have been feeling a little bit out-of-whack recently. Just a bit unorganized, a bit cluttered in my headspace, a bit anxious as I make work.
To combat this I decided to take all of today off. I know, it seems totally counter-intuitive to block off an entire day off from making work, when I'm growing increasingly anxious about my timeframe to make said work - but it's exactly what I needed to get back to baseline.
I packed up my usual travel supplies (sketchbook, camera(s), watercolor pencils, graphite sticks and ipod), slathered myself in sunscreen and hopped on my bike. I had no idea where I wanted to go, just that I needed to go somewhere.
Intuitive biking.
I rode over to the beach, taking turns when they felt correct and going straight if I didn't feel like turning, literally no goal in mind and happy as a clam. Eventually I ended up at South Pointe Park before I decided to lock up my bike and walk around. The whole trip out there was mirroring very much how I felt about some of the work I was making: starting out with no clear picture of the end goal. However, on the bike it was freeing and not anxiety-inducing. The moment that analogy popped into my mind I immediately felt a sense of calm return. I could fix this.
Focusing on that, on allowing myself to meander (both in my work and on the beach) I found a nice quiet spot to sit down and sketch. I watched the boats come and go, watched rollerbladers and kite-flyers and soaked in the beach vibes of the park.
I'm not sure if anything could have been as helpful as taking that full day out of the studio. When I returned home I made a nice big slooow dinner, careful to stay mindful of the peace I found while navigating the beach on my bike.
I’m not going to pick up my brushes tonight either, but start fresh in the morning.
<3
Can't be stressed looking at this.
Perspectiv Miami 2016
Super excited to announce that I'll be showing 5 new works at this year's Perspectiv Miami show on October 8th! I've been working on these pieces for awhile as sort of a love-letter to Miami - and am so psyched for the event. Music, food, drinks and art will rule the night!
I'll be there the entire evening, make sure to let me know if you stop by - I'd love to chat!