Reach for the Stars, Little Wolf

The air feels weird right now—like that quiet little pause in a song right before the bass drops.

2025/26 has been nonstop with shows, (extremely grateful!) but somehow, I’ve landed in this tiny, golden pocket of calm before the fall shows kick in again.

Instead of jumping straight into another huge canvas, I’ve been doing the complete opposite. I’m hunched over this tiny little painting that’s kicking my butt more than any six foot painting ever has. It’s a study of my youngest daughter from “Mismatch Day” years ago. She was wearing a Wonder Woman cape, the headpiece, Converse pulled up to her knees, and a whole outfit that broke every fashion rule in the book. In the original photo she was posing with her arm extended upward, but on the canvas, I turned it into her reaching for the stars!

It’s funny how the smallest pieces end up being the hardest. This little thing is taking forever, mostly because I’m doing stuff I normally never touch. I’ve never really been into painting flowers (even though I love gardening), but now it’s creeping into everything. I’ve always done more figurative or moody atmospheric work, but my brain clearly has other ideas this season.

I think the 2025 garden is still messing with me in the best way. Every time I look at the painting, I keep seeing petals and vines sneaking in around her. It’s this funny tug-of-war between what I usually do and what’s trying to come out right now.

There’s something really nice about stepping outside my comfort zone like this. Every time I do, I end up learning new things and picking up techniques I never would’ve tried otherwise. It’s a good reminder that even when I think I’m just resting, my creative brain is still quietly working in the background, getting ready for whatever comes next.

For now I’m happy staying small, finding stars in the mismatch, and just letting the flowers grow wherever they want. I need to finish this little piece so I can move on to the new Black Lipstick Army ideas I have brewing. Wishing you a creative April…

A Year in Art: Reflections, Gratitude, and What’s Ahead

As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what a wonderful year it has been in my art journey. I was honored to participate in so many beautiful shows—at the Millicent Rogers Museum for ¡CHICANAO! Caminos Distintos, the 8th Annual Women’s Art Show, Posted Up and Cholas Taking Up Space at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Pasion de Frida in San Francisco, and On the Verge at Merge Modern Gallery, as well as preparing work for the New Mexico COVID Memorial Public Art Project. I feel deeply grateful for each opportunity.

I’m thankful to the communities, galleries, museums, and everyone who supported my work this year. Your encouragement and engagement continue to inspire me and make sharing my art a truly meaningful experience.

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited to share that I have two upcoming shows, which I’ll talk more about soon. I can’t wait to continue this journey and see what the new year brings. Thank you for being part of it with me.

Studio Reflections & Gratitude

Lately, I’ve been moving through a season of deep reflection and preparation. I’m honored to be welcoming a museum visit to my home studio—an opportunity I hold with great care. Studio visits are meaningful moments of exchange, allowing space to share not just the work itself, but the stories, intentions, and lived experiences that shape each piece.

I’m also deeply grateful to share that I was selected as a semi-finalist for the New Mexico COVID-19 Memorial Public Art Project through Bernalillo County. Artists from across the Southwest submitted work for this memorial, and being among the small group moving forward is truly humbling.

This project is especially close to my heart, as it is meant to honor and remember the lives lost during the pandemic and to offer a space for reflection and healing.

I would be honored to advance to the next round and continue this journey.

As part of the process, the public is invited to view the semi-finalists’ proposals and share their thoughts. If you feel called, you can see my submission and hear the story behind it through the links below. Your support and words truly mean more than I can express.

🖤 View all submissions and leave a comment:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N7QXQ2W

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Hear my story and learn about my proposal:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=83-woteKtu7A3djv&v=eYD2_AeFTJE&feature=youtu.be

Thank you for walking alongside me, for supporting artists, and for honoring the importance of remembrance and community.

With gratitude,