A Year and a Half Journey

Having a personal space dedicated to creating art can significantly alter an artist's approach and relationship with their craft. Over the last eighteen months, my art studio has evolved beyond being merely a workspace. It has become a sanctuary where I can paint, draw, and photograph those who inspire me—my friends and clients.

One of the highlights of this period was the chance to create artwork for Mis Tacones, a local vegan restaurant. This experience showed me how art can build bridges between communities and support local businesses.

I have finished 3 new paintings inspired by Latino culture, floral and fauna. I have started on several new pieces. These works explore different themes and techniques, inspired by the people I photograph and the stories they share.

Last December, I held a holiday open house at the studio. It was a chance to invite friends, clients, and neighbors to see my work in person. I sold a few prints during the event, which was encouraging and rewarding. More importantly, the open house created a sense of community around the studio.

Events like this remind me that art is not just about creation but also sharing. Meeting people who appreciate my work and hearing their feedback motivates me to keep creating art. It also opens doors to new collaborations and opportunities.

While I enjoy the studio space now, I am considering ending my lease to pursue other opportunities. This decision is not easy because the studio has become a meaningful part of my artistic life. However, growth sometimes requires change.

Update: New Art Studio!

Yes... I am terrible when it comes to updating my website but I got to admit that I haven't made a lot of art lately. I apologize for that. With that said, I am happy to announce that I have a new art studio! YAY! I originally set-up a little "art space" in the spare bedroom at mother's condo in Vancouver, Washington just across the river from my house in Portland, Oregon. I was originally looking for an art studio to rent out at the time and heard a rumor that my mother looking for additional income. She is retired and on a fixed income so funds were tight for her. Being the big softie that I am, I suggested that I rent her spare room and use it as an art studio and she agreed. My mother is an absolute sweetheart and she would get sooo excited when I'd come to work on art.  She'd bring me snacks and gossip about family dramas while I worked on my paintings. I really spruced up the room for her too. I repainted it white after one of my sisters painted it this loud green color and left it as is when she moved out. I love vibrantly painted rooms but the color was not conducive for painting and would definitely influence how I saw my paint colors. There were tons of holes in the walls left from when my brother stayed in the room too. He had a lot of décor and chachkies attached to the walls.

This set-up was fun while it lasted but I got to admit... the space never felt like my own. This same room was also used as a guest room for Mom to host family and friends. I'd often times find the space cluttered with other people's belongings and notice that my things were moved around sometimes too. This always annoyed me but I figured that this was her living space so I couldn't really protest much. I didn't really have a collective of active artists to engage with either. My art is also inspired by the male form, and erotic themes so bringing art models to pose nude or to get roped up in Shibari in a small bedroom at my mother's place was totally out of the question.

My new art studio is currently at Civilian Studios on the north side of Portland which is about a 10 minute drive from my home in the St. Johns neighborhood. It definitely needs to be cleaned up a little bit and is in dire need of my artistic flair. I'm really looking forward to creating new art, meeting new artists, working with new and familiar art models, and hosting small exhibitions at the space too! Stay tuned for more updates!

Yes! I'm Still Alive and Making Art!

I know, I know... I am really terrible about updating my website but I got to admit that I haven't been very diligent about creating visual art this past year. I have done a couple of photoshoots and also finished a painting this year which I will be uploading to this site soon. I also have taken a liking to exploring the art of shibari these past couple of years. I have a handful of sexy friends who are very willing to have me rope them up and try different knots on them like my adorable friend Cole here wearing a pentagram rope chest harness knot I put him into. I also have been really devoting a lot of energy into making traditional and modern Mexican cuisine like mole, tamales, pozole, and all kinds of casseroles. I will do my best to keep you guys updated on new artworks, collabs and possibly new art shows! Thanks to those of you that still follow me.