Creative Playground
Creative Playground
Welcome to a glimpse into my creative journey beyond the studio walls. Here, I share moments from residencies, road trips, and events that spark my imagination and inspire new perspectives. I invite you to take a few moments, journey with me, and see the world as I do.
A Week At Moro Bay
A self directed residency at Moro Bay was an enlightening experience. I always been intrigued by those Plein Air artists who could spend hours outdoors painting.
Leaving for Moro Bay, I set my intention of painting just like a Plein Air artist does. More I tried, more frustrated I got. I was not happy with anything I created during the first couple of days. on the third day as I was getting ready for my day, I stoped and sat down to reflect on why I was feeling this way. What was it the I was pushing myself to achieve? What did I want to prove and to whom?
That was when the light went on. I recognized and came to accept that the representational phase of my creative process is beyond me now. What resonated with me ten or so years ago, is not satisfying my artistic process now.
From that moment, the trip became more fulfilling as there was no expectations. I create because it is what feeds my soul, not because I want to be like any other artist regardless their style and techniques.
Observing the light reflecting on the water, creating interesting patterns and highlighting textures, was the inspiration I was looking for.
Inspirations I cherish
A Week At Dorland Mountains
My time at Dorland artist residency has been truly transformative. As my first residency, I found myself constantly rethinking the art supplies I had packed, unsure of what I might need. Eventually, I decided to bring materials I don’t typically work with, turning this week into a DIY training session. I couldn’t be happier with that choice—the entire experience became an exploration of new techniques, and I learned so much along the way.
One medium I rarely touch is India ink, but combining it with the acrylic inks I brought led to surprising and beautiful results. I’m now excited to incorporate this new approach into a future series.
Sometime midweek, I decided to challenge myself further by revisiting an old skill: graphite and pen-and-ink drawing. In high school, a pen-and-ink landscape was what got me an award and set me on my path as an artist, so I attempted a self-portrait. To my delight, I still had a knack for capturing a likeness.
The most significant moment came on a hazy Thursday, a day of deep contemplation. I revisited a piece of writing I had begun over a decade ago but never finished. That day, I finally completed the story, bringing closure to something that had lingered for so long. Now, I just must decide what to do with it—I know I can’t wait another ten years to figure it out.
Dorland is a haven for creatives, a place where you can push boundaries and surprise yourself. I highly recommend visiting—it’s an experience that can shift your creative process in unexpected ways.
Cyanotype Prints
Abstract Landscape
LightPlay
The Grounds
