Issue 2 - Flipbook - Page 17
MORE OPTIONS
My mom noticed how much time I spent working on paintings and often would ask if I had been working on anything
new. I was always working on techniques, so I was never not painting in my 20's. I often worked night shifts so after
getting off at 10 or 11 p.m. I would go home and continue working until early hours of the next morning. I still lived
with my parents then, so I worked part-time nightly every week for years but with artwork piling up in my bedroom I
wanted to actually show off some of my work. This eventually happened in 2010, at 26, I showcased some of my art
works in a gallery group exhibition. Through an interview process I was happy that I was accepted into the actual show.
My neighbor gave a recommendation to the gallery owner/curator around this time and she let me know where to meet for
an interview for a chance to be part of a newer gallery opening. Shout out to Ms. Bravinder for all her support and help
with everything leading up to this. I was just starting out in painting but at 24 years old I did have more to showcase of
my talent and three pieces were accepted to show.
So, February of 2010, I forgot the exact date, the gallery opened and I remember everything feeling surreal from the
excitement of it all. My mom, sister, and nephew all attended the opening and stayed for a little while but congratulated
me on their way out. I remember enjoying the evening but then thinking about possibilities of future projects if I ever get
another chance to do this. While the pieces were hanging in a gallery, I remember focusing on painting more work but just
working to keep the ideas moving. Needless to say after a few months, about 5-6 months, the gallery shut its doors and I
had to go collect all my pieces again. Financial reasons were the reasons behind the closure since the owners couldn't find
any buyers/investors. This opportunity came and went but kept working with a positive mindset moving forward. I
continued to try different art related ideas such as publishing my first website that following year and even participating in
The ArtWalk (art festival) in October of 2011. While I kept working on my website, which is active till this day, I
learned from the ArtWalk that my art would shop/sell differently in another market elsewhere. The start of finding a
viable market was important for a real art career but in my 20s I didn't stress and slowly just focused on being a hobbyist
for years after this. I continued to study and practice but slowly built a portfolio while just enjoying my 20s and early
30s. I didn't know what this journey would arrive to at certain points, but little did I know there was more to it.
(RIGHT)
PETTY HEARTBREAKER
2007
ACRYLIC PAINTING
TOM PETTY INSPIRED
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