This weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to set up a vending booth at Thinkspace Art Gallery, for Abars closing redemption, where I was selling my coloring books and doggy portraits. As I interacted with customers and fellow artists, I experienced moments of disbelief that I had come so far in my artistic journey over the past year and a half. One encounter that stood out was a conversation I had with Cesar (@mass_turd) a talented artist whose work I have admired for quite some time. Known for his amazing, fun, and creative illustrative punk style, Cesar's mind radiates with expansive creativity. Beyond his artistic talents, I found Cesar to be a genuinely cool and down-to-earth individual. Despite just meeting in person, we connected on a deeper level, discussing the challenges we had both faced in our lives and how we had each found purpose, self-belief, and a renewed passion…
Groups Feed
Jillian Shea is not your average artist and teacher. She is a champion of ceramics, with a passion for the craft that shines through in every piece she creates. Jill is also HILARIOUS and a girl’s girl but that’s another post for another day. Her journey with ceramics began in high school, where she first discovered the joy of working with clay. From that moment on, she was hooked, and she dedicated herself to honing her skills and perfecting her art.
Jill’s artistic journey has taken her on a unique and innovative path. She first gained attention at CSUN (California State University - Northridge) for her ceramic pieces that blend high fashion with traditional ceramics. Starting with ceramic purses, she then moved on to create intricate undergarment pieces and eventually, ceramic corsets. This rare and bold choice of subject matter sets her apart in the art world, showcasing her ability…
Being a "nice girl" and a people pleaser is something that many women can relate to. From a young tender age, we are often taught to prioritize the feelings and needs of others above our own. We are taught to be polite, accommodating, and agreeable, even if it means sacrificing our own authenticity and well-being.
But the truth is, constantly putting others' needs before our own can be draining and detrimental to our mental and emotional health. It can leave us feeling resentful, unfulfilled, and disconnected from our true selves.
I used to be anxiously ingrained in the role of a people pleaser and a "nice girl," constantly putting others' needs above my own and striving to be liked by everyone. However, this often led to situations where I found myself being taken advantage of or unable to form genuine connections with the people I was trying so hard to…
Javier (Havie) Ruiz is a talented artist whose work captures the vibrancy and beauty of life in all its forms. I first met him in 2022 when I was a little baby artist. When I met him I was immediately struck by his kind nature and passion for art. He invited me to his studio, and as he spoke about his work, I could feel his excitement and love for what he does.
I had never been in a studio before. I was embarrassingly excited to be there and Havie's guidance and knowledge were invaluable to me. He taught me about his process, his inspirations, and his memories of drawing horses as a child. His attention to detail and ability to recall specific moments from his past was truly remarkable.
We discussed his mural work around Los Angeles is a testament to his lifelong passion for art and the streets.…
This past year has been one of the most difficult of my life. From personal struggles to external challenges, it felt like I was constantly being tested in every aspect of my life. But through it all, I have come to realize that these experiences and the lessons I have learned have helped me grow in ways I never thought possible. As well as learning things are just sometimes out of my control.
One of the hardest parts of this year was battling depression. It felt like a dark cloud was constantly hanging over me, making it difficult to find joy in even the smallest moments. But through it all, I found solace in humor. Whether it was binge-watching episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm or making jokes about the karmic retribution of having my car stolen after stealing cars in GTA, finding humor in the darkness helped me see the…
As a new artist, navigating the world of creativity can be both exhilarating and challenging. When I first started on my artistic journey, I quickly realized that making mistakes was an inevitable part of the process. Whether it was experimenting with new techniques, pushing my boundaries, or putting myself out there, I found that mistakes were not only common but also necessary for growth.
One of the biggest challenges I faced as a new artist was overcoming debilitating shyness. As someone who was naturally introverted, putting myself and my work out into the world felt like an insurmountable task. I constantly second-guess myself and overanalyze every word I say, convinced that I have somehow managed to mess up the interaction. The fear of saying the wrong thing or coming across as awkward or boring can be paralyzing, causing me to panic and retreat into myself even more. It's a constant…
The world of art is a powerful medium for self-expression, healing, and empowerment. Within the realm of Chicana female artists, there exists a rich tapestry of stories, experiences, and perspectives that speak to the resilience, strength, and creativity of women of Mexican descent. Through their art, these talented individuals are able to not only explore their own identities and experiences but also shed light on the intergenerational healing that takes place within their communities.
For many Chicana female artists, creating art is a means of understanding and processing the pain and challenges that come with womanhood. From dealing with societal pressures and expectations to confronting issues such as domestic violence and discrimination, these artists use their work to shine a light on the injustices and struggles faced by women in their communities. Through their powerful and evocative pieces, they are able to bring awareness to important social issues and advocate…