I got a call from Ryan and he expressed the want to have a soft opening of Play Nice in Long Beach. Due to Covid-19, many businesses had to close and lost business- but also, the feeling of lack of community I feel, perhaps stressed many people out; not being able to see your peers regularly at events and more, Ryan invited me to exhibit original works within the gallery and I said, "yes!" The invitation to showcase was sent on the 26th of October (2020) and on the 29th, we pulled it off. "Lift the Hood," a private gallery opening allowed for guests to gather and connect. In three days, I curated some pieces together that I had worked on and completed over the course of 2020. For an untitled piece, I stayed up working until the late hours in the morning to get it to 85% of completion. I really had a desire to share this narrative piece and did just that; I become energized when a person has an idea and thrusts it into action. When I am showing work, I become enamored at those who take the time to ask questions and remain engaged. If my goal is to keep the audience engaged, then I feel like that is a skill that I am strengthening but also have some ways to go. With everything that I learn, I work to impose more of that knowledge so that the work becomes a spectacle of remarkability. In an effort to experiment, I chose to play with nuances and narratives that have the capacity to relate or be in conversation rather: my goal is to create bodies of works that live as a series and not arbitrary or coincidental visual relationships. Up until now, I have created stand alone works that just so happen to be in conversation with one another but as I gear up, I have set intentions on creating as aforementioned- bodies and series of original works. Time and time again, my peers support me and take the time to include me which really catches me by surprise sometimes because I am so in my own sphere. I appreciate Ryan for taking the time to express his desire to want to not only invite me but to invite my artworks as well. It is a vulnerable experience but also necessary because I thrive off provoked and unprovoked critiques of my work. Although I have a stand-alone mission, to understand through third parties if my concepts are translating or not further pushes me to strengthen that language. As a progressive community, I feel that it is imperative to think of those around you and include them on the journey. Like-minded individuals have the capacity to see your vision and yield to help bring it to life. I am thankful for the community I have curated and those that continue to strive to become better internally but also creatively- actively. The pursuit to greatness does not end with one accomplishment but begins with each new venture. This is my thank you-
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