I'm a Resident Artist in Houston!

New Beginnings, New Spaces

I had honestly nearly given up on applying to open calls and residencies but here we are!

I applied and had an interview with the gallery’s curator. She handed me my acceptance letter right there over coffee! They are just opening up and want to bring the community together through art and give back to it and its creative population. Now I’m waiting for the remodeling for this new space to be done so that I can add my touch to my new studio and wall space.

While I wait, I’m gathering my work, ideas, and building up my circle. Finding artists and joining groups with other creative entrepreneurs who are actively working on their dream and who are supportive of each other. I deeply believe that success happens in strong groups of people who are dedicated to their craft and whose intentions aim for the higher good vs individual success or progress alone. So many of the stories, movies, and art we love now came from individuals who practiced and got feedback from encouraging, like-minded peers. I’m excited to see the humans I find and what we can create together.

There is so much potential in all the space that I’ve found! I can’t wait to host shows and teach classes again. If you know anyone who’d like to be a part of this growing idea send them this link for updates: http://eepurl.com/glR-lD

Taking in and digesting all this new information — the landscape, the people, the ambiance — has me trying to organize my sense of self as an individual and in my work. All the things I’ve learned so far aren’t altogether applicable where I’m at now and I’m having to understand myself and my art all over again in this new environment.

I guess with COVID everyone is having to do some form of this. And still allow in their plans an expert level of room for “and if this all falls apart again then…” As an eternal optimist, I’m still continuing to piece together all the things I want and push forward the best that I can with what I have. I hope for the best, and whatever else happens to become an obstacle I examine as it comes. Things are so constantly in flux there isn’t time to ruminate over what could happen. But it only makes sense to have a few backup plans wherever possible.

So while I’m super excited to map out all of my future projects and implement my plans, I try to remember to be at peace with and fully transparent about whatever the outcome.