When I first started back out into the adventure of showing my work in December, I planned on busting my ass getting myself "out there". In using that phrase I don't just mean allowing others to see my work and all that comes with that experience. But releasing myself into the world as well.

My intermittent shows from 2011 were mostly me hiding behind a table as patrons walked by and admired my work. I was afraid to answer questions, admit what my pieces cost, and didn't know what to do with the emails I gathered from interested passersby. I knew I was on a journey somewhere but I was still too afraid.

I went back to community college, deciding at least I should finish what I started. When I fell upon Cybele Rowe's Art Survival class I had no idea the world that it would open up for me. She kept telling us that the things that came from taking that class were always things we were able to accomplish. That may be true, but I still think she's an angel.

2015 was a year of fighting the "what if's" and doubts and just fucking painting. Paint if it's good, paint if it's bad. Paint if you're tired, paint all day, all night. Paint on paper, on masonite, on walls, on cardboard, on everything, with everything. My goal was 100 pieces, I made it to 60 ranging from 8"x10" pieces on paper and masonite to 24"x46" canvases and panels that I figured out how to build. They were sculptures in clay, in bronze, paintings in watercolor, ink, acrylic, tape. I sold 3 with no advertising prices.

Art Survival helped me meet other artists and get out of my own head. I knew I was personable, I knew I craved to be creative, and I knew I could take opportunity when it was there. But I didn't see my own knowledge until I saw it in everyone around me.

Cybele's class inspired me to put myself and my art out into the world again. I started by meeting her at Chinatown's art galleries (note -- this IS DTLA). We ran through each gallery -- Coagula, Good Luck --meeting her friends briefly. One of which was a part of a show I would be in at Oddville -- Billy Pacak.

Bg Gallery at Bergamot Station -- The Love Armada

I submitted work locally. To the Frida Cinema, the Arlyn Pillay Gallery, the OCCCA. I branched out to LA and submitted work to Oddville with Ezra and Julia's show, Breasts: An Explorative Exhibit. I took input from other artists, from the curators, from patrons. I decided to visit one gallery in LA for openings for two months, the Gabba Gallery. I met Vakseen at his solo show and the dominoes continued to fall.

I was instantly inspired by the premise of his art and his easygoing attitude. He told me he curated, liked my art, and told me to wait for his call. I don't think I've ever watched Instagram so closely. And then there it was -- Spitz.

Spitz has been a turning point in both its idea and physical presence. This was a show I didn't hunt for, I didn't scour the internet to divulge. It was offered. Someone saw what I was putting out into the world and wanted it to be seen. And it inspired me to keep going.

I met other artists -- Dick Cherry and Kate Kelton-- and found insight into my own process and style just from being there. I met LC from Cannibal Flower, who appreciated my art. I'm on the lookout now for the next call for art.

Because I was so inspired by the insight and acknowledgement of my craft, I went to Vakseen's participating opening at La Luz de Jesus. While I was appreciating Vakseen's art, I met Eric Minh Swenson. And another invitation was offered: Nude Survey 5.

In meeting Eric I met his cousin, Chuck Swenson, during the Brewery Artwalk. His toy soldier series was incredibly intriguing to hear about. We talked about families and crazy shit and I found out that he produced for the Rugrats, Aaahh Real Monsters, and Strawberry Shortcake. In walks in Mat Gleason.

I had no idea who he was, but I heard him talking quickly to Chuck about a show in Dallas that he would be partaking in. I took the opportunity to excuse myself and say Hello.

"I'm Aliza, who are you?" I passed him my card and after meeting many an artist at the Brewery Artwalk, I was an intern at Coagula Curatorial. I spent an hour the following day sketching Paige Wery of the Good Luck Gallery on Modern Art Blitz with Mat and his co-host Lisa Derrick.

Nude Survey 5 is fast approaching and I can't wait. I'll be dropping pieces off this weekend, wired and ready to go. I still can't believe the free fall into the madness of the Art World I've stumbled upon. I love it and am terrified by it simultaneously. As someone would be within a newly sprouting intimate relationship -- I'm excited and petrified at the thought of someone finding out my dirty secrets too soon. Time and my giant mouth will tell.

<3

In the Game