Hey! It feels really good to write this newsletter again. Lots has happened since the last one. Here’s what went down. Its a long one :)

Summer is for murals

I’m a true homebody at heart. I LOVE to vibe in my own home. It’s become a sacred and beautiful space in my almost two years of living here. My studio is also here at home so I don’t really have to leave the house for work unless I’m attending a show, vending at a market or giving a workshop. BUT, sometimes it is nice to switch it up and have a reason to step outside. I had two opportunities to paint some murals. One in the Capitol Hill neighborhood here in Seattle and the other just 25 minutes away in downtown Renton. 

In my previous newsletter I had shown the concept I had for this mural located at the Miller Community Center in Capitol Hill and I’m excited to finally show the finished artwork. I finished it in early June and it took me about 5 weeks (give or take). There were some days I wasn’t able to work because of rainy days and other commitments which made it feel like a much lengthier project. The biggest challenge with this one was working by a tree that released so much pollen it triggered my allergies halfway into finishing. Plagued with itchy skin and sinuses, and puffy eyes I was able to power through. Wearing a mask really helped. Special shout out to Seattle Public Schools, Healthy Youth Can, Mark Mendez and the Miller Community Center for making this mural possible <3 

Left: A work in progress shot. I love having an outdoor studio!
Middle: Most of this mural was made with small brushes.
Right: The finished mural.

For the second mural, I was asked by the Renton Downtown Partnership to create one for a blank wall on Main Ave S. The concept was to celebrate the city as well as the cultures of the people that live there. This was represented through the paper plane to give a nod to their aviation industry, the sock eye salmon that swim upstream the Cedar River that runs through the city, and the national flowers that reflect the folks that come from different countries and now reside in Renton.

It was a little intimidating having to think of and execute a design that would cover 650 square feet of a wall - but it sounded like a fun challenge so I went for it. This one was my biggest project to date. I had to rent a scissor lift for the month of June to be able to reach the top of the wall. I’m actually really scared of heights but I didn’t freak out while I was so high up - except the few times when a wasp was flying around me. I also have a huge fear of wasps (and bees but I’m an ally). My fight or flight response kicked in and I wanted to jump off the lift while I was 15 feet high but ultimately didn’t, obvs.
 

I had to get creative with getting the concept drawn on the wall. I usually freehand or project my mural designs but to get the correct proportions, I used the doodle method. It’s basically like working with a grid to know the placements of each subject and its lines without the need to keep an exact grid. I first used chalk to draw out the doodles, took a photo of it with my iPad, and then layered the transparent draft onto the doodle wall photo. This was pretty quick and only took a couple hours to complete. From there I printed out the new image and used that to know exactly where to draw each subject with chalk. 

It was pretty straight forward from then on. It’s almost like paint by numbers since I had bought most of the colors that I needed. (I created some darker and lighter shades for the highlights and shadows). I worked on it almost every day with the exception of a couple where I had a really bad cold. It took me about three weeks to complete and I couldn’t be more happy with the way it turned out. It’s located at 226 Main Ave S, Renton, WA. Check it out :)

Left: The initial concept layered on top of the doodle wall.
Middle: Me being masc in from of my scissors lift.
Right: The finished mural

Beauty in the mundane

After working on the murals I decided to rest for the rest of the summer. My body definitely took a toll working on back to back murals. I really look up to muralists - it really is a physically demanding job, especially in the summertime heat. A huge knot I’ve felt on my back from time to time really flared up upon finishing my murals. I RAN to Float Seattle for a session in their sensory deprivation pod. To float in complete silence and darkness felt so dreamy and relaxing in both a physically and mental way. It was really helpful for my mind that can sometimes feel like it's racing. I don’t know the science behind it but I haven’t had a major flare up since.

I decided to take the rest of the summer off from any major projects. It felt really good to have nothing major in my schedule. A part from painting, dilly dallying is my true passion and I leaned in hard. During this time I hung out more with friends, attended art exhibits, did a reiki session, and went on more walks (often to the Elliot Bay Book Company - my absolute my favorite bookstore). I even bought a paddle board and and went out to Lake Washington a handful of times! Being able to slow down is something I’ve come to appreciate more.

There is a kind of beauty in the mundane and slowness. Observing the coffee as it swirls in the mug after adding milk to it, being in awe by the golden evening light shining through the window and reflecting onto the wall: all things that I see on the daily but really came to appreciate with this newfound mental space. I’m trying to incorporate more of that appreciation into my life.

Left: Food is one of the ways I find joy. This joy is from Bangrak Market.
Middle: Found beauty on a walk.
Right: My mom and I ft. a tlayuda.

I Turned 30!
The day before my actual birthday my beloved friends Lindsey and Kristen treated me to a beautiful breakfast at Cafe Flora. Joined by another friend visiting from out of town, it was one of those occasions where everything felt joyous and easy. They surprised me with a cute cake and candle. It made my heart so full. I started to tear up while they were singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to me. I felt so loved. It was one of those moments where you’re reminded just how much you love your friends.

The next day, on July 27th, I turned thirty years old. Earlier that week my mom had called me to ask what I wanted to eat for my bday dinner. I chose fried fish with pico de gallo. It’s a usual summertime craving. It was beautiful and low key birthday. My parents, siblings, my partner and other family were there as well. We ate and enjoyed each others company. The biggest surprise that day was finding out my grandmother was on a flight to visit us for the very first time. I was so excited to see her when she arrived. It wasn’t a surprise for me really, my family somehow forgot to tell me that she was visiting. Still, it was a nice birthday treat <3

Talking with my friends about this, we all came to the same conclusion: that thirty is still a time to figure out your life, yourself and where you’re headed. You’re young enough to keep making mistakes (some new, some not so new) just with a fully developed brain. Twenty-nine felt like an odd in-between of worlds and twenty-eight was no different. Being thirty feels right. I feel thirty. I still feel young of course, and am way more confident than I ever have in my life. I was very insecure as a teen and that feeling was carried well into my twenties.

As a gay man, you can’t help but notice the emphasis the world puts on looks and the ways you also participate in that behavior. It’s pretty toxic. I’ve been working not only to push against these tendencies, but also to be kinder to myself and happy with all that I am. It’s not that I ever hated myself or the way I look, but it’s sometimes hard not to compare yourself with others. Comparison really is the killer of joy. It’s a daily practice and I definitely have my off days, but I can say for certain that I am way happier now than I’ve ever been.

As a teen, I never really imaged what my life would truly look like at this stage. Not because I didn’t think I would get this far, but because it never truly crossed my mind. I didn’t know what I was going to study in college - I quickly dropped out. I knew I wanted to be a creative but didn’t know what exactly I was going to do. No one around me was a working artist. I knew that a wife and kids were not in my future. There was no outline or roadmap for me. I’m sure many have been in the same boat. Looking back, I realize I just went wherever my interest and curiosities took me.

At this point I can say that I truly love my life. I love the people in it. I love my home (it’s cute). I love my career. I love it all. There are definitely aspects of my life that can be improved (obvs) but I’m at a sweet spot right now. Things can change for better or worse, so I’m relishing in this very moment I find myself in.

Me after crying.

Travels
The day after my birthday, Omar and I set sail (we flew) for Guatemala. As a birthday gift to myself, I decided to explore the country and its ruins. Guatemala and its ancient history has always fascinated me, so I thought this would be the perfect time.

We spent most of the first chunk of time in Antigua, Guatemala’s first capitol city. It’s a gorgeous, lush and vibrant place. The architecture and roads reminded me a lot of Oaxaca City, only more green and less hot. We actually flew into Guatemala City and spent the night there. After exploring Antigua the following evening, we decided to stay the night to get to explore more of it. The coffee was amazing. Truly unmatched.

Afterwards we flew to Flores. It was hot and VERY humid but made it possible for the most beautiful jungles. We stayed at an eco hotel surrounded by the ancient forrest and a nearby lake. The howling monkeys and birds could be heard throughout the day well into night.

We decided to take a sunrise hike in Tikal National Park. Having to wake up at 2am is never fun for something like this I will gladly do so. A van picked us up and drove for about 2 hours to the park, gathering more folks along the way. It was still dark by the time we got to the park - almost pitch black. A part from our footsteps and our low voices, you could hear some howling monkeys waking up, moving around in the trees and warming up their vocal cords.

Our guide was absolutely amazing. He knew the park and its history like the back of his hand. He would stop us along the way to point out animals and critters we’d encounter. After walking for a while he stops us and tell us to look to our left. At this point the sky is just barely starting turning into a deep dark shade of purple. We turn and there we saw the black silhouette of the famous Temple of The Great Jaguar. Not expecting to suddenly witness such a marvel, I was speechless. The darkness the temple was surrounded by and the purple hue of the sky added to the mystery and wonder of this ancient structure. I often wonder and try to image what these places that hold such sacred energy and history would have looked like in their prime years. What were the Mayans doing? How did they take care of their structures? What was it like to date or court a love interest? What conversations were being had? Did the Mayan’s realize what geniuses they were?

Once the sun was about to rise we were taken to a giant pyramid where we would see the sun rise from the top above the tree line. There were clouds that soon dissipated as the sun continued to rise. The sky began to shine with shades of blue, pink, yellow, and grey. The animals that inhabit the jungle that grew over what was once a bustling metropolis began to awaken. With tree tops beginning to brush as animals made their way across the canopy, birds flying about, and monkeys howling with their full chest, we witnessed the jungle awaken. It was like witnessing a miracle that repeated itself every day. It was pure magic.

Throughout the day we explored different parts of Tikal. We saw monkeys, toucans, went on top of pyramids, and learned about what is known about the city and its people. It was a pretty intense enduring the humidity and heat but I feel like I got used to it for a second.

Later that day we had another excursion - a sunset hike in Yaxha. It was similar to Tikal but definitely had its own vibe. There were monkeys swinging above us as we hiked through the ruins. Again, it was very magical. The highlight of this was sitting on top of a pyramid while we watched the sun set into the night sky.

We knew that it was going to be a long day of exploring and walking, but we didn’t realize just how hard it was going to be until noon when we were low-key regretting cramming so much in one day. Looking back it was pretty delusional for us to do that given the extreme heat and humidity but worth it :)

A part from getting to know the ruins, we also spent a day time exploring Flores Island and swimming in its surrounding lake. We took a boat to a tiny beach surrounded by lush vegetation and spent the day swinging on a rope and falling into the water. It was pretty scary since I’m afraid of heights but super fun. Once it started to rain, the few people that were also there began to disperse, leaving just us two. The rain didn’t stop us and we continued to swim and hang out in the rain and seeing the thunder flash in the distance of the mainland. It was a moment of serenity and bliss having such beautiful nature to ourselves the rest of the evening.

Left : The Temple of the Great Jaguar in the early morning.
Middle: Me :)
Right: One of many ancient apartment complexes where nobles lived.

After Guatemala we spent a week in Mexico City. It’s a place we always go back to every year and have become more or less familiar with it. We ate, caught up with a friend, visited some museums and went to the movies a few times. I love taking it slow while I’m there.

One evening while shopping at a festival of dedicated to indigenous communities at the Zocalo, it began to rain nonstop. So much so that the city square began to flood and the power went out. The giant tents we were under went dark and the wind began to blow so hard, it felt like they were going to collapse. The chaos was thrilling. It didn’t feel like we were in danger since everyone else was so calm. The festival was canceled for the remainder of the night so we decided to to head back to our AirBnB which was about a 15 minute walk in the Historic Center. We were absolutely soaked from the rain and flooded streets.

From Mexico City we went to visit my mother’s family in Guerrero for a few days. Where my mom is from, it is a remote part of the state where if you called it a small town, it would be a major exaggeration. It’s just scattered houses tucked within the palms along side the Pacific Ocean. There’s no phone signal - the perfect place to disconnect from the world for a while.

We stayed in one of my uncle’s bungalows, swam in the ocean not even one hundred feet away from the property, visited my family and rode my uncles quad bike to get around (that was really fun). It was the perfect reset before flying back to Seattle.

Left: I finally got to see one of my favorite paintings by Frida Kahlo.
Middle: The licuados (smoothies) are phenomenal in Mexico City. I ask for banana, guava and strawberry in mine.
Right: The view from our stay at my uncles bungalows. They fed us good <3

Strong winds blew me back to Mexico
While I was in Mexico, Lindsey had sent me a message inviting me to be a part of her artist retreat/birthday getaway in a beautiful town a couple hours outside of Mexico City. I immediately said yes. So, after two weeks of being in Seattle, I caught a flight with Lindsey and Kristen to spend the week with them along with more friends (Iris, Nardeen, and Abigail).

It was a beautiful time full of creativity, rest, and exploration. We spent the next few days in the most gorgeous house surrounded by nature and mountains. We created an altar, learned about grief from Kristen and did yoga led by Nardeen. Iris walked us through how to make beaded jewelry, we collaged, and took some really cool photos shot by Abigail and celebrate Lindsey as she entered into a new chapter of her life.

After a few days we went to Mexico City to spend a few days there. Nardeen and Iris went back home so it was just Kristen, Lindsey, Abigail, and I on this leg. We ate phenomenal food, shopped, and did all the things. This was the first time we had all been to Mexico together so it was so fun to experience a new environment with them.

The last day of the trip was one that was so unexpected, filled surprised and a series of obstacles. The day before, my dad had called to me to bring back some clothes for some friends and my mom. So the next morning after our morning coffee and pastries, we split up and I headed to the Historic Center to find the clothes. Walking from La Roma Norte took about an hour, but I enjoy walks and you never know what you’ll find in the city. Along the way I’m stopped in my tracks by a young man juggling swords in front of traffic. A very bizzar sight and a foreshadow for the odd day I would have.

As I made it to the zocalo, I quickly realized that none of the vendors were selling what I was looking for. Then it dawned on me that I’d most likely find the clothes in the market in Coyoacan. We were there the day before so I don’t know how it didn’t cross my mind to go there in the first place. It’s about 45 minute drive from the Center and so I begin to make my way there (sorta).

The Historic Center is very crowded, filled with vendors, locals, tourists, and people Pikachu costumes. I knew getting an Uber would take forever in the area, so I decided to walk away from the chaos to make it easier to catch a ride to Coyoacan. I saw in the distance that there were vendors and tents ahead and I figured a less busy main street was just on the other side of it - which is why I decided to walk through. As I kept walking, the outdoor market became more and more dense. The tents were getting closer and closer together they almost became one long stand, the crowds were bigger, and the sky was almost completely blocked by the hanging tarps and stacks of products. It felt like the market was getting taller! After about almost an hour of walking (I thought it would take me 20 minutes tops) I realized the exit was no where in sight. I glance at the alley ways leading to the adjacent blocks only to see more vendors set up in the distance. I was in a the middle of a bazaar.

I didn’t know whether to walk back or keep going. Then it began to rain. And if you’ve ever been in Mexico when it rains, it pours. People stop what they’re doing and run towards shelter under the tents and covering their heads with whatever they had to protect themselves from the heavy rain. I wait for the rain to pass under a tent selling various fruits. It quickly becomes clear that the rain will not stop anytime soon, and I see there’s an indoor part of the bazaar. I figured I might as well look for a poncho or umbrella.

The inside of the market was packed from floor to ceiling, wall to wall with stalls filled with, clothes, food, and anything you could think of. I found a poncho for 10 pesos and look for the exit. I try to retrace my steps but quickly realize that is very easy in this environment, and that the exit isn’t easy to find. I’m no stranger to crowded markets but in this particular day, the amount of people, narrow walkways, and low visibility, I started to make me feel anxious. I’ve been walking in circles. Its already four in the afternoon and nearly 45 minutes have passed and I still cannot find the exit. I begin to panic on the inside - why can’t I find the exit? Why is everyone around me so calm when the exit has mysteriously vanished? Will I make it to Coyoacan before the market closes? Will I die here? It was like navigating through a maze. My battery is already drained but I rally some energy and ask for the exit by a kind vendor. The exit was two isles away from me of course.

When I get to the outside, I find myself facing a main street. Finally! I see the rain is pouring even harder. The sidewalks are lined with street vendors and pedestrians taking shelter under their tents. There are some brave people walking through the rainfall. I cross the busy street to get away from the chaos I had just experienced and wait for the rain to pass. About a half hour passes and it suddenly stops and I find my way in a quiet part of the neighborhood just two blocks away from the main road and call for an Uber. The top of my body is dry but my feet are drenched. The rain caused a lot of traffic and it took almost an hour for my ride to pick me up. When it finally arrives I take off my poncho and relish in the arm shelter that will take me to my destination. I decide to take a little nap in the meantime. When I awake, I realize I fucked up and end up in the wrong destination.

I’m not the best with technology. I had entered the wrong address and am dropped off at the mall somewhat near Coyoacan. I was too tired and too stunned to ask to be taken to the correct destination. So I get out the car and begin to make my way to the market which is about a thirty minute walk. It’s a familiar path - one that Omar and I had taken a few weeks prior. The whole time I’m kicking myself for allowing this to happen. I’m tired, hungry, and my socks are soaked. Luckily the rain had slowed down to a light drizzle.

When I make it to the indoor market, the vendors are starting to tear down their stands, but people are still shopping so I made It just in time. Earlier that morning Lindsey had asked me to get her a tin heart mirror that she saw the market the day before but ultimately decided not to buy. Right as I enter the market, I see the exact one she was contemplating on buying earlier. I took it as a good omen for the rest of the night and buy it and make my way around the market looking for the clothes I was asked to bring back. The market began to slowly shut down but I was able to find most everything that I needed. I considered it a win. Right as I’m leaving the market, the heavy rain begins again. I put my poncho back on and wait for the rain to lighten up under an awning. Thunder began to roar.

At this point, it’s nighttime and I’m starving. Once the rain let up, I walked over to the center of Coyoacan to find some food. I remembered Omar and I had some good pozole at a food all nearby a few weeks before. I make my way there. Soaked and satisfied, I gladly sit down enjoy the first meal that entire day. It was a pork pozole - hearty and perfect for the cold. I’m pretty sure I have a goofy smile on my face the whole time I’m eating. At one point during my meal a random man walks up to the pozole stand and begins to argue with the chef and the workers. Based on their interaction it looks like this happens often. They shew him away but not before he tosses heads of garlic at them. A very strange sight to see.

I pay for my food then head to grab a hot chocolate before I call an Uber back to the AirBnB. On the ride back I realize the cup had a small leak and stained my clothes. After a series of odd and unfortunate events, I just had to laugh.

By the end of it all I missed my friends and upon returning to the AirBnB, I was greeted with such enthusiasm, it warmed my heart. I felt like Odysseus from the Odyssey, navigating through different worlds and obstacles, finding myself in unexpected circumstances but making my way back in the end. I’ve always believed Mexico to be a surreal place and this solidified that.

The trip came to an end and we flew home the next day.

It was a joyous experience. To be surrounded by other creatives truly feeds the soul. I’m forever thankful to have such amazing people and creatives as friends. This trip will be one I always look back on.

Top left: Me and my heart shaped churro.
Top center: The view from our retreat home.
Top right: Aguachile and shrimp tacos we had in Mexico City.
Bottom left: Kristen and I at a cool lounge in Reforma.
Bottom center: My pozole after a treacherous journey.
Bottom right: Me outside the Coyoacan market waiting for the rain to stop.

Currently working on
I’ve been working on a few paintings lately. This one is actually inspired by the artist retreat in Mexico. After our photoshoot, I see Lindsey, Nardeen, and Iris just having a conversation on the couch. The way they were sitting and interacting with each other was visually striking. I told them to not move so I could snap a few pictures for a painting. I’ve never really had a sudden moment of inspiration like that before. The elements I’m including are from moments of the retreat. The slouched cake, the squirrel bringing us an avocado, the birds, everything is inspired by our time at the artist retreat. This is the first time I paint more than two people in a piece.

Found Treasure
A few years ago I began to wonder where this painting was. It’s from 2016 and measures 30 x 20 inches. The painting was inspired by obsession with palm trees and my little brother who had freakishly large eyes as a toddler. I remember being so proud of this painting and the shading of the palm leafs. It’s still one of my faves, honestly. If you’d like to be the owner of this painting please feel free to email me.

New limited edition prints are coming
I recently completed this painting - a bouquet of marigold, candles, and eyes. I painted this in honor of Dia de los Muertos which is right around the corner. It’s a time where we remember our loved ones that have since passed. Marigolds are symbolic of this time, as this is the flower that is used to decorate altar. If you’d like to be notified before I announce the preorder, please let me know by shooting me an email. Otherwise, keep a look out on my instagram.

The original 16 x 20 inch painting is also available.

Find me here

TYSM
Thank you so much for reading. It feels really nice to share about what I’ve been up to these past few months and what’s ahead. This summer was truly a memorable one. Full of abundance, rest, joy, and play. Looking forward to what the fall has in store.