Guadalajara 2

Guadalajara. I've been here for a month now. We have been traveling a lot around Christmastime- headed to Lake Chapala twice, Arandas twice, Morelia once and to Puerto Vallarta for a weekend. I am officially pooped.

I am happy to announce that I found a wonderful art collective here in Guadalajara. Collectivo Nahual. I happened upon their gallery on my way to the art school in downtown. Hunting for figure drawing workshops, I decided it couldn't hurt to ask this gallery about activities in the Guadalajara art scene. And it was the best thing I could have done. I met Ruben who helps coordinate things in the collective. He informed me that there was a room available for another artist, if I wanted to participate.

A few weeks later, I now have my own little art studio in downtown Guadalajara and have met some very talented and motivated artists.

I am one happy camper.

Almost every day I head over to my studio to work. It's about a 40 minute commute when you include the walk to and from the bus. As soon as I'm over my cold, I'm going to ride the bike to the studio. Once I get there, I greet the people who have already arrived and then to the studio to think, read, draw, play all day. And of course there's time for tea with Miguel who has been a dear in guiding me through the rules and the structure of the collective.

The perfect place for an introvert who likes to experiment with extroversion every once in a while. :)

Guadalajara 1

It´s been about 10 days since we arrived. No regular internet connection- just the good will of those who will let me zone out on their computer for a few hours. Check all the emails, the facebook, all the inboxes in all the programs of the world. Then to check up on friends, watch an interview, do anything to connect me back to those still in the US.

This time in Mexico, I want to look different. Before I wanted to dress like the Mexican girls, adopt that Mexican fashion, wear makeup their way. But this time I don't want to follow that path. I have this pride (is that the word?) of being different. It's not about being American. It's just about being different. But I think now, looking back, that in general, I´ve had a strong desire to be accepted, but not on their terms. I have to be different and challenge what they want, but also I want to be wanted. It's a bit conflicting.

Our room is set up now so I have a workspace. Already working on a painting for my cousin and also on some Papergirls. I´m also learning more about art here in Guadalajara. More on all of this soon.

For Christmas we're doing a Secret Santa concept. I got my mother in law. She's a spectacular woman who's as sharp as the knives she has in her kitchen. You should see her with her family. Quickest wit on this side of the Mississippi.

Then New Years- we´re talking about Vallarta.

But what I want more than anything is to just rock a dance floor. Dance like a slut to Gaga. :) Or feel the rush of Amanda Palmer. Something that's not nortenio or banda (though I now have a great love for the accordian... more on this later, too).

LA RECORD December 2009- Kronos Quartet meets Rock Band

This is the latest LA RECORD illustration. How could I pass up a chance to draw Kronos Quartet?

And for those who would like to read the entire interview, check it out
here at larecord.com.

Sierra Vista 1

Klc is a tattoo king.

My parents found a box of some of my old zine stuff in their house. Lots of old Welcome zine material (the high school friends will understand the importance of that). Also a few sketchbooks from middle school filled with a bunch of invented superheroes. And notebooks and envelopes filled with poetry. God, I wrote so much poetry.

I didn't have time to properly explore my relics of the past, but I hope I will when I get back from Mexico.

Bisbee 3

Thanksgiving with the Arizona family. And I thought about my Mom and my sister back in LA. I hope they had a good time with my uncle and his family.

Tons of pie. My stepmom made an excellent apple pie this year.

Today we spent in Bisbee. We went bird watching and then into town for Bisbee's Christmas lights festivities which involved children performing Santa dances and folkloricos, a marching band and Santa sitting at the end of a really cool old fire engine.

And then it back home. And of course we ate leftovers. And of course I'm in my 3rd food coma since Thanksgiving dinner.

But it's been a good day. The birds were busy and beautiful. Cardinals. Acorn woodpeckers. Blue jays. And tomorrow I finally will make it up to Ramsey Canyon. :) I love that place. It's my recharge spot. My power source. After connecting, I'll be ready to continue this road trip back up to Tucson.

Bisbee 2

I just realized that I haven't posted art in quite some time. But that will soon change.

I finished an illustration for LA Record. As soon as that's up, I'll share it with you.

And this I finished at the end of October, and it's finally ready to share. I illustrated a few panels of a comic by Mairghread Scott for her website WrongSideComics.com. It was a pleasure working with her, and I'm excited to see her site grow. I can't wait to see what other artists do with her work.

AND there will be more Papergirl. Heeheehee.

In other news, things are going well. I was stressed out for a few days but maybe that's because we're back in holiday season- it's just what happens this time of year. Taking in the quiet. And taking time to work on the art.

Bisbee 1

I have hit one of my power spots.

Next on the list- the Huachuca Mountains.