I'm not sure about the rest of you, but my March went by so fast.  I feel like I say that every month, though.  A few things: 

1.  I started March off by getting COVID!!! (Maybe that's why it went by so fast...)

2. I spent that time resting yet doing a lot of tree homework for my classes with the Maine Master Naturalist Program.  I created a Tree Guide Zine and inspired me to begin working on a zine of my own for my art work and writing... which brings me to #3... 

3.  I'm about 2 classes away from finishing up Thesis Writing: The Theory, History, and Methods of Art Writing.  It's been challenging in some ways, but also really inspiring and illuminating in the way that I think about any art writing, and my own.  This class has inspired me to start up my writing practice again and I'm working on a zine! 

4.  I will have work included in Rumpus: an Egalitarian Art Show at Engine in Biddeford, ME.  I shared some of my first artwork ever at Engine back in 2019 through their annual Rumpus show.  Crazy to think about that. Show opens April 1st and runs through May 13th! 

5.  The Buoy Gallery opened up their doors to their 13th annual art show, ARTPM! I will have one piece included.  Show runs until May 13th!   

6. I was awarded a BIPOC Fellowship to Haystack Mountain School of Crafts for their Summer Workshops.  There were 102 applicants and I am so happy, so excited, and so grateful to have been awarded this opportunity to learn. More info in the coming months...   

7.  I finished Everything She Touched: The Life of Ruth Asawa by Marilyn Chase.  SO GOOD.  SO good that it prompted me to try writing a casual, personal book review.  Again, trying to just get my ideas out there... and write?  Kinda yolo vibes? Sharing spree vibes?

8.  #8 for my April 8th Birthday coming up! It's Aries Season everyone.  My mom's birthday was yesterday April 3rd.  Made her a little cake in her honor.  Still trying to figure out how to manage these days emotionally. But doing my best.  

That's it for now <3 
Pictures and more info below, see you at the end of April. 

IN THE STUDIO 

This month I have continued to work through my 365 project, allowing for moments to take ideas from a day and push them further.  I'm still working small but slowly pushing the sizes I am working on. I've made it to about a quarter of a sheet of paper--11" x 15" and hoping to maybe explore a full 22" x 30" soon. 

On one hand, the 365 project keeps me moving and working and exploring.  And on the other, it sometimes can be a little limiting in regards to size and the way I now am more inclined to work through a painting in one sitting, vs several.  Truly a trial and error in patience...

ART VAN'S 10" x 10" SHOW 

BRIDGE MESSY, EMERGE IGNITED

APRIL 27th-July 30th 

Frontier, Brunswick, ME  

Pathway through the sky, 2022.  Acrylic on wood panel. 10" x 10"  

I created this painting for Art Van's 10" x 10" show where all participants were given a theme to respond to when making.  50% of the proceeds of the painting will go towards funding for ART VAN, which is a program that brings arts to marginalized communities around Southern Maine, encouraging art making and expression as a therapeutic practice for children.  I think this program is so special and so vital.  I think of the ways that art has literally transformed my life and has since I was a child.  I use my art as a mode of expression and on one  hand, I think a lot of people do, but that's my focus of investigation.  Everything else comes second to that.  

SEE MY WORK IN PERSON 

NEW PAINTINGS 

6" x 4" Acrylic ink on Arches 140lb Cold Press 

8" x 6" Acrylic ink on Arches 140lb Cold Press

8" x 6" Acrylic ink on Arches 140lb Cold Press

12" x 9" Acrylic on wood panel.  

Thank you so much for reading.  SO I MEAN IT THIS TIME... I am planning to do a SHOP UPDATE for the end of April.  I really need to raise funds for supplies and for more opportunities.  All of the $ I make from my art practice goes right back into it.  I was so amazed by the outpouring of support last year when I was raising funds for my first NYC Crit Club Class which covered my tuition and allowed me more opportunities to share my work, and fund supplies.

My goal is for 3 Shop Updates this year: End of April, August, and beginning of December. 

SO be on the lookout... my lovely newsletter subscribers will be the FIRST to know and get a little discount <3 

See you at the end of April! 

Raquel