Art Vs. Artist 2023 Extended Review
A little big intro sort of explanation
The past months of the Genocide in Palestine and Gaza have taken away a lot of the will for me to post, especially since Instagram has become the place to watch it all happen. It feels super strange to share pics of myself.
At the same time, my work has brought me the chance to heal a bit from the horrors and injustice and has given me a space to breathe out a little and find joy.
It is waaaaay past the end of 2023 but somehow I’m still living in it so I thought, maybe it’s ok to share this #artvsartist anyway. 🙂
I’m very grateful for the opportunities and moments of inspiration of last year. I was coming from a year feeling super tuned with my art and afraid I wouldn’t keep up.
I’m learning that’s a very natural feeling, and that your process and growth can look like a lot of things, but that as long as you have a sort of guideline in the horizon, things always come together the way they’re supposed to. 💕
Lots of words without saying anything in concrete.
Here are some details (left to right, one line at a time):
🍄 I got to have an animation video made by me and VC Studios at the Museum Sint-Janshospitaal, in Brugge, Belgium. It’s a permanent exhibition. It’s very special to me since I felt the style matched mine super well, I could do some background work, and it makes me feel included in the culture community here, where I’m not a natural from.
🍄 I’m discovering a baby activist artist in me and I’m loving her and letting her grow at her pace. It makes me feel hopeful as my role as an artist in society.
🍄 I launched this very special zine this year. The first of my longer printed works to come. I love her and I loved the process. Thank you for receiving her so well. 🫶🏼
🍄 I’m working on an idea for my first graphic novel. This character has been living inside me for years and I’ve been discovering a lot about her thanks to peers as well.
🍄 Did this painting of the house of a family friend in Portugal and I’m discovering a new love for backgrounds.
🍄 After months thinking about it, finally sat down and played with clays, something I didn’t do since I was a kid. Was surprised at the joy and results that came out of it, started to sell some pieces (thanks for adopting my pigeons!)
🍄 Kept doing art markets and meeting so many lovely and talented people!
Lastly…
These are some of the high moments. There have been ups and downs, some which I choose not to share. There have been about 4 months of unemployment and uncertainty too. I don’t want to paint only a bright picture so it’s important for me to mention that, specially in case you’re fighting for an art career too.
In the end, we keep marching, as long as possible, searching for as much joy as possible.
This post was originally on Instagram but I thought of sharing it here as well due to its dimensions.
Stay safe and inspired,
