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The duality of being social while embracing solitude is a battle most fight. A single thought can overwhelm your soul. The chaos of our stream of consciousness can debilitate or enlighten. We juggle energies, toss up ideas, and reach for more, on a daily basis. But there is always a peep hole towards peace. This painting captures a single feeling of chaos in my head, where all of my internal people collide together in mania. Crazy busy, but surprisingly calming and unified in their motions. There is beauty in chaos; usually the root of the chosen topic is shared. We all yearn for answers, and it's acceptable to be filled with contradictions.

Venus, Orbit, Thunder, Jupiter, Luna, Lavender, Indigo, and Velvet. These eight cats have and had a massive impact on my life since 1993. Artists should have a confidant by their side, as we spend endless hours alone in our process. Velvet is my studio cat and best friend for the past six years, and she's a part of my soul. Growing up, my cats were/are my siblings, and they taught me how to have a soulful connection with animals of all forms. Recently, my family lost my feline brother, Thunder James. It was his time to pass on, and I was lucky to be home with my parents during his ceremony. This past year has been so overwhelming and filled with loss for so many. Not only have I lost close friends to COVID-19, but dealt with tragic personal changes. But ever so lucky to have my health and strength to continue moving forward. Our animals family members are so essential and cherished. When I paint The Cool Cats, they carry the emotion and love rooted from the felines in my life. And I know my clients can relate so very much. In memory: THUNDER JAMES 18 years of love. Adopted as a wee babe, we dressed his little ears in blue bows. Spent years venturing outside, always back home by calling his name. He returned gifts of snakes, birds and lizards. Fought a coyote, lost his back leg. Three-legged bad ass, nothing held him back. Climbed the highest tree on New Year’s Eve. We slept underneath until firefighters came (twice) to rescue him. Always ate, just enough to suffice. Maintained his GQ model physique with scratching post pull-ups and hearty sprints. King of his pride throughout the years: Venus, Orbit, Jupiter, Luna, Lavender, Indigo. And mentor to his godchild, Velvet. Known as The Zen Master, his diplomacy and empathy, unparalleled. My confidant and sweet lover boy. Thunder is my true brother. We love him madly forever. When his soul floated away, he‘s was off on his next adventure. We will always miss him. Thunder moved on to his next life March 29th in our arms at 2:30pm.

We carry our past versions of ourselves. Almost like we are building a community of personas inside our heads. I like to think some of them work together to help guide ourselves into our new versions. Perhaps they are casting spells and curating the future. Seeking out synchronicities in my day to day unconsciously creeps into my paintings. There's an air of mysterious and fortune-telling in my paintings. Therapy at it's best, the catharsis of paint to canvas with emotion crafts together a story. This painting, Inner Oracle, reminds me of the shell abalone, which I feel holds such power. Just finished this canvas today, but feel that in a month or two I'll look back at it and see what I was teaching myself. As for now, I trust my inner oracle is carrying me into a new phase of self.

I'm always thinking about a timeline. As years fly, I wonder why I spend so much time strategizing when life rarely plays out as planned. I don't have to please anyone, but myself. Obviously we all have bills and deadlines, bosses of all forms, and daily responsibilities coming from all angles, but at the end of the day, IT'S MY DAY! I've lost so many people in my short 28 years on this earth, and baffles me that I continue to blow matters out of proportions. What a luxury to live this day on earth, and all problems can be handled. I'm reminded how privileged I am, even if someone else has far more than I. Do what you want (and get away with it.) Although rebelliously aggressive, this motto rocks. Coming from a purely simple viewpoint, I'm learning to live my moments for my soul. Doesn't mean I'm selfish, as doing things with and for others turns my soul into a little smilie face. Confidence is an attitude as much as a personality trait. Recently spending time evolving my spiritual work with paint. The solace of falling into fabricated worlds, crafted by my own accord, is pure therapy. The Cool People in my head come to life, bringing self-realization that sometimes I'm a fucking nut, but I really love when I see a my own soulful divinity come alive before my eyes. Just today's thoughts.

Perhaps everyday we live our own heaven. I don‘t associate myself as a member of any particular organized religion, although I did attend Catholic school as a kid. That experience gave me a foundation in old world knowledge, but I abandoned the label. Alas, I never felt that I was a spiritual refugee — searching for a religion. There’s a higher sense of living previously or a calmness in the unknown. Not sure why, but that’s how I interpret my days. There’s a positive feeling of abandonment, moreover, freedom, in not tying myself to a a religious affiliation. In this painting, our spirits are venturing towards a place, a concept, a world. Perhaps set in a theatre or a silent film, the apparitions are left to their own accord — just moving through their own heavens.

The wheel in the sky keeps on turning. Up in the clouds, this painting shares a glimpse into a transcendental cycle of lives. The movement of souls and depth of light brings such warmth. The title, Iridescence (Cloud IX) comes from the gorgeous movement of reflection. Depending on where the painting is hung, the light reacts differently, exposes the layers of paint and gold leaf. There is great serenity and calmness amongst the lighthearted chaos of the dance in the sky.

It's now March 2021, a full year has passed, still processing our new world. Although the vaccines are slowly distributed, our transition into the 2020's is off at a pretty parallel start. I can only speak for myself, but I am sure I share the same emotions as most in that adjustment is a rollercoaster. Artists are supposed to reflect the times, but really need to reflect upon themselves first. In order to carry a message or share a story, an artist really needs time to dig deep unconsciously, letting life dictate. The past few months i've been studying the self -- moreover, spending time excessively painting (quite organically) and seeing what's in store for the future. My profession is rooted in retail, which continues, but I'm revealing more of the spiritual and explorative side of my work. I was speaking to another artist entrepreneur the other day, and we spoke about authenticity. Selling artwork in a retail setting strips so much of the authenticity from the artist. But do consumers always prioritize the need for authenticity in the art they buy? It's not 1960/70's anymore where artists have a raw chance of exposure, requiring more rebellion and hustle. Social media blurs a sense of reality, and everyone can have their 15 minutes of fame, like Warhol predicted. How does an artist surpass the madness? Do you even both considering these things? The eternal contradiction of a "struggling artist." As we move forward in time, the next ten years will be revolutionary in technology. As for me, I hope to delve deeper into a stripped down sense of self, sans social media fabrication. Perhaps focusing on the real, our reality will feel more realistic.   Included in this collection of visuals is the music video, Sister Morphine (1971) by Rolling Stones. My dad keeps saying he's ready to take the needle, aka get the vaccine. But there's such complication in doing such!! Bit of a heavy comparison, but I vibe.

A new painting from studio focusing on visualizing arpeggios and harmonious sonatas featuring The Cool People.

You got one life. Live it. Not to force that into your face, but take a second!! Or maybe you will have more than one life, but we have no tangible clue. Sometimes when a moment in my day is REALLY GOOD, I mean even if it's simple, I do a mental photo. Literally make a *click* in your head, and store it away in the brain file cabinets. Maybe a little Cam Jansen of me (any 80's/90's kid would recall) but regardless it's a promising practice. Few days ago I was running and noticed how trees were shaped like figurative people. When I passed trees, I imagined how body parts would extend from their twisted extremities, creating inviting shapes. Raising energies and lifting up. Transcending the ground. Not sure if that moment directly influenced this piece, but I feel a connection, somehow. Everything has a reflection, transcendence, and change. This moody painting captured my mindset that day, bringing a sense of safety in the unknown.

You have one life; live it. It's the absolute most is that my new canvases have becomes rich talismans, pouring light into new homes and spaces. Surprisingly, the hellish insecurity of 2020 pulled me into a realm of my own. My color palette matured, and I'm painting exactly what's in my head and dreams. The landscapes and worlds embody the joy and chaos going down right now. Horoscope Horizon (Lift Up The Light) is a 4x12" canvas piece created January 2021. As we move into the Age of Aquarius, I'm trying to step back and change how I interact with my personal timeline. There's far too much pressure and stress in our lives, and this painting helped me remember to lift up ourselves while bouncing energy amongst others. You can share your energies, but always hold your light high. It's too easy for others to deduce the cool from your vibe. Share the energies, protect your warm aura, and move forward to a more balanced self.

Another addition to the growing esoteric series, Three of Wands . Feels as though it's a discovered object from the past, truly giving soul to the painting. Looking forward to the developing styles and shapes of each piece. The Renaissance-inspired gold leaf framing is so lovely, mimicking an old world children's story book.

An Aquarian in the new age of Aquarius. It's an absolute luxury to grow older, and as I circled again around the sun, I am so grateful to do so. Thankfully made it past the 27 Club, I'm stoked to continue living my life how I want it. The best things in life are free, and so am I. Spent my birthday with a glorious run, ample tequila, and nostalgic hours roaming throw my old ephemera from 1960's onward. Of course, much more thrilling accompanied with booze and good music. Pandemic birthdays have been a bust, I'm sure for most, but the upside is: we are still here!!

Snakes are fascinating animals . I've always been a fan of the Irwin family, growing up watching Steve on TV handle mythical creatures with such skill. The lack of fear (or endowment of trust) he had while addressing dangerous reptiles inspired me to change my perspective on seemingly undesirable beings. And perhaps that goes for humans too. There are a plethora of human snakes I can name off the top of my head, but I've learn I must handle them like Steve Irwin exactly would a snake. As one does, the unconscious rules the painting. Whatever is my obsession or headliner streaming in my mind, underpins the artwork. In this case I was dealing with a personal demon (or should we say, snake.) Basically someone was really pissing (or hissing) me off. But the only way to address something mysteriously poisonous is to connect the mind, trust at distance, and perhaps think as they would. Come at a problem from behind with caution, but still treat the situation with unassuming kindness. The Cool People in my mind's eye are constantly bumping heads, secretly passing notes and changing directions. Hard to always stay consistent in thought when there is such a powerful force of personas influencing an action. The snake eye (daresay) dead center of the painting is the heart of this for me. Painting is like a tarot card reading; and, I believe the slithers of the snake, the melts of the self, and the passing of the light, all cohere together in the painting, Slithers , to remind me of one's humility and ego.

As Cat Stevens says,"you're going to wind up where you started from." One of my favorite songs (ever) is Sitting. November thus far has proven to be eye-opening to the self. Stripping away more layers of artistry to evolve. Talking to a friend today we highlighted the need for creative people to have countless trades and skill sets. You got to wear a fuck ton of hats if you want to be an artist. One thing to make art, another thing to sell it. The key right now in the mess of 2020 is to channel unbridled strength and be open to renewal of self. Also the key is to wear a fucking mask and social distance. But that aside, it's personally an big time to unleash more from within. In the past ten years I have domino effected myself from set design, fashion styling, wardrobe production, textile designer, retailer, staff manager, business owner, blah blah blah. Basically I'm outlining that I have grown my creative career. POINT IS, 2021 is the year ~manifesting, ya know~ that will allow me to thrive in a purely fine art fashion. And that, is where I started from. As a kid, I was hyper creative and my parents always encouraged me to just be happy and work hard. But there are inner, aggressive voices that influenced me away from "you can't just paint a painting for a living." Ergo, I continually tried (and try) to find profitable work in creative fields. But at the end of the day, stripped down, we got a obsessive, manic woman who simply craves to paint the worlds from her mind. Sorry for the third person switch up, but just felt that jive. With a little help from my friends, aka The Cool People, I am really able to take the puzzle pieces of my 20's and start to communicate what it's really all about. Also keeping my roots truly apparent in my day-to-day. Step back and look at your life like a movie. Watch the beginning and notice the foreshadowing and repetition. You have control of your life and every decision switches up your journey (that's how I roll.) Just like in palmistry, the when you read the hand, you always read the right as the left hand is "what you are born with." The right hand literally changes. There's a divine motion in the world, or just an existential explosion of nothing. Your call, but noting that you do have the power of change in your hands.

The fact that it gets dark at 5pm now is stiflingly confusing to the brain. The first positive I've found is that getting up to start the day at 5/6am is way easier than before. And second, is (seemingly) more time to painting at night. Absorbing inspiration throughout the early day and unwinding with visuals at the eve. Seems to be jelling well -- clothes and business duties at day, canvas at night. You know you're in a jive when your passion becomes an even bigger obsession. This being said, my two recent piece, After Hours and Night Shift are a prime example of the madness that hits at night. The chaos of cool people spiraling around in my head translate their actions through the paint brush. The paintings are cathartic and organic, growing a story with every added element. AFTER HOURS x NIGHT SHIFT

I truly believe I have a Henry Mancini manifestation embedded in my mind, strategically soundtracking my days. I'm a big fan of Mancini's score work and groovy, melancholic songs. This painting was purely sparked by one song, and one song only, which is Orange Tamoure from the Charade soundtrack. As a true maniac, I like to paint while playing music and movies simultaneously. I had on Phantom of the Opera while my Charade record was obsessively flipped back and forth. Morning Masquerade was a direct result of the merging of the moods. The mania and masquerading of our morning selfs, trying to find a balance. Orange Tamoure Phantom Of The Opera - Masquerade

...and all the cool people merely players. What a fucking flow I'm in this month. Finding a sweet spot with a sense of balance for the unconscious and conscious. My background in theatre and scenic design is taking precedence in my brain. The unconscious creates an environment and the conscious fills the worlds with energy. This is just a small start to a new chapter in showcasing who The Cool People really are. Past week I have finished about ten small canvases, all intertwining the same universe of collective journey, emotional longing, physical frustration, and jubilees of joy. Here's a few of my favorites thus far: SLIGHT OF HAND FIGHT THE FLOW RADICALS RATTLE LOOSE LIBERTY RECENT SNAPSHOTS FROM E STUDIO & LIFE

November so far has been action packed with custom orders, new canvas series, and planning/prepping for new projects in the winter. 2021 may be the year we start drinking the kool-aid again -- finger's crossed. Here's some causal pics from this month thus far.

It's one thing to create, and it's another to market/sell. Both art and fashion are simultaneously my trade. I do try to cater to clients of all ages and price ranges. Everyone should have access to art that jives with their mental state. I'm pretty split brain with business and eccentricity, but the thing that keeps me consistently productive is my passion for the process. Turning my paintings into affordable pins simply works. Similar to when you go to a museum, dig a painting, then buy some merch on the way out. That being said, I don't go a day without painting or sketching, meaning I have endless work floating around - especially with The Cool People. Even an ink sketch translates with refinement onto a pin. There's a balance of chaos and color with monochromatic and simple expression. Recently I have primarily focused on quality paper and smaller canvases. I love painting on woven, handmade paper. The paintbrush becomes a magic wand, carefully whisking up organic, ink images. The solo pieces mimic ripped, textured pages from a relic spell book. Each piece is an original -- stamped and labeled on the back. The work can be hung on the wall with a tact or easily framed; open to whatever makes your world work. These 9x12 paintings on paper are modestly priced from $40-$60, and I still do try to find affordable alternatives to keep a constant flow of new art for my customers. Once a piece sells, that work is gone! So re-producing the image in other forms--not just as prints--enhances the value of the original art. So, how do I pick what paintings to use for product manufacturing, textile design, or marketing merch? It's 100% gut feeling. Sometimes I paint something, and a piece of soul appear. There's a divinity that comes from little moments in art, and the big thrill is when those visuals present themselves unexpectedly. When something strikes a chord, I re-imagine varied ways it can be shared. Rock art on your body, and there's nothing more accessible than a pin. Ergo, I'm currently producing small quantities of custom pins featuring The Cool People with Sticker Mule. I simply take an illustration that speaks to me, adjust it to size, then place a small batch order. This way I am able to get my content out in the physical world and my clients have access to new artwork, fast! The manufacture turnaround time is stellar (especially with pandemic mailing!) and the product quality, top notch.

Nothing much to report for this month except diligent work towards a bigger endgame. I associate colors with numbers and periodical concepts. October always appeared as the number 8 for me, which in turns is colored a dark green. I know October is the 10th month in the year, but October is just not the color blue. There's a charm for the number 8 for me in this month, giving me all the october octangular oooogie boogies. Eight is number for flow and balance, or moreover the journey towards that. Eight is a sign for money coming. So I always see October as a pivotal time of transition and change. Often a month that doesn't provide fruits of labor, but stirs the spices for coming success. This is complete nonsense to you most likely, thus let's just move along. ...so, here's a drop of photos ranging from bread-bakes and late-night-take-out to painting process and new tattoos. Grateful for the work received this month and kind clients. This is a solid month of evolution. Taking time to breathe a bit. I have a feeling November is about switch up the game. Times are (and better be) a'changin'. Weird month though; usually a spooky vibe, but let's be honest: it's a spooky year.

The Cool People sometimes act as variations of the human persona. Each one embodies an emotion or moment of time. Rarely created with intension, but birthed purely with unconscious flow. We are going through a massive change in time. Empathy is key and catharsis of the self is mandatory. These two paintings, Odd One Out and Uncertainty, are recent paintings from this month. Spent the first week of October alternating between painting, packing/shipping, and cooking. A strange month. A spooky month. A month to get savvy.

Organic October, a vibe. I'm usually a gabber, but this painting did all the talking for me. This piece called Unleashed is on 6x12" stretched canvas. I am a huge fan of Bosch, and I feel his inspiration creeping from this work. One thing to note: you see that little figure balancing on the arm of the in-flight person, on the left? Well, that's me, metaphorically a tightrope walker, in this unleashed chaos of 2020. Ooooof. This piece was intrinsically special to me, it was was painted with such fluidity and confidence, even though I've been so manically stressed this month. Politics. Pandemic. Overall living! Hot damn, what a time to be alive.

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen heard, or even touched; they must be felt with the heart." A good friend recently sent me this quote, and it brought me such solace. Coincidently I was working on this piece, The Dance, which complimented those words exactly. There's an ethereal notion about energy that can't be physically acknowledged, and I know this piece brought forth that sensation.

Ergo, to make time. TIME spelled backwards is EMIT. It's my personal motto for many years now. An admired teacher once told me: time is our greatest currency. So, Emit Time anchors how I roll. Oh how I do love to live fast, paint fast, work fast, etc. But I've learned that it's more valuable to LIVE SLOWER. Make as much time as you can, use those minutes with more sentiment, and put love into the time you manifest. Time is YOURS to spend. As an ambidextrous artist, one of my first exercises I implemented in my process was painting/writing words simultaneously. Emit Time was an excellent focus to hone a concept and practice. So despite the bullshit situations of 2020, I've re-routed my lifestyle to emphasis insignificant routines that make my soul feel truly cool. Prioritizing seemingly non-essential activities have a big impact on happiness. We are all busy as hell, but slow the fuck down. Time is a damn gift!

Oh, the battle of balance. Anyone else quietly, yet manically, trying to find sanity? How do we juggle all the emotions!? Feels like I am haphazardly throwing around my energies, while battling society's expectations of normalcy. This past week, I painted Duel of Despair and Battle of Balance . Ironically, the pieces ended up puzzle-piecing themselves together seamlessly. Pretty telling about my mood, eh? These 4x6" canvases are special talismans to add to your space--a possession to house all the energies. Their stories outline the shared journeys we are all undertaking. No matter who you are, I bet you have some crazy shit on your plate -- I feel you!!! Even amongst all the chaos, I am still Entranced by so much. I can thrive, painting away alone in my studio, but I am also a massive extrovert, constantly captivated by adventures and projects. Time will tell how our bewitching world will take it's next steps. Needless to say, I am feeling like a puppet -- yearning for renewed freedom. We just have to make our own magic. Divination is the answer. Conjure up some stronger mojo, use your inner spirit, and keep your most prominent energies at bay. Stay at ONE with yourself and keep your loved souls as close as your socially-distancing-self can. On a final note, I'd like to cue up the prophet, Ozzy, with the song, End of the Beginning . The lyrics couldn't be more accurate. Nothing like Black Sabbath for a solid sermon. Is this the end of the beginning? Or the beginning of the end? Losing control or are you winning? Is your life real or just pretend? Reanimation of the sequence Rewinds the future to the past To find the source of the solution The system has to be repaired Release your mind Fast forward to the secrets of your soul Your life's on overload Is this your fate? Will you decide what makes you an entity That's your identity Well if you don't know Which way to go You might be lost and confused A second chance no time to lose Reanimation of your cyber sonic soul Transforming time and space beyond control Rise up and resist to be the master of your fate Don't look back before today- tomorrow is too late You don't want to be a robot ghost Occupied inside a human host Analyzed and cloned relentlessly Synthesized until they set you free Alright-okay, alright Till they set you free