It’s been a while since I slipped into your inboxes! It has been a fruitful time of rest, learning, and living life! Artistically, I needed a reset, and although I had not intended to take such a long break from the newsletter, when it happened, I knew everything would be okay.

There are so many things I want to fill you in on, so let's get to it!

In today’s issue:

🥳 Summer Recap

👨🏽‍🏫 Long-Format Videos

🙋🏽‍♀️ Life Update! Let’s dive in!

Let’s dive in!

Summer Recap

I had a busy summer for sure, full of events, rest, and some lifestyle changes. I was able to go to some cool venues in Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Stockton, Lodi, and the Sierra Foothills. I learned a lot at those different events, and best of all, I was able to reduce my inventory a bit! I also hosted two different in-person printmaking workshops. I am super grateful to the sponsors of those events: Art Expression of San Joaquin, Speedball, and Legion Paper. Every single student was so excited to work with professional-grade materials, and honestly, seeing the smiles on their faces after they pulled their first print was priceless.

In August, I went over to Yosemite National Park and participated for a second time in the Obata Art Weekend. I was actually sick as a dog on my way, but this event is one of the highlights of my year, and there was no way I was going to miss it! This year I completely switched my demonstration, bringing in a custom-made Suri-dai table and sharing the wonderful world of Mokuhanga. I was so happy to finally be able to share publicly my knowledge and process with this process that I had been quietly practicing and studying. To be fair, there is still a long way to go until I feel comfortable sharing my process online, but it was nice to explore the medium with the Obata Weekend participants. I was also super humbled by the nice words of Kimi Hill, granddaughter of Chiura Obata, after whom the event is named and whose legacy it honors. Later this year, I will have a chance to study a little more in-depth some of Mr. Obata’s prints, and I can’t wait to share that experience with you all!

Long Format Videos

Ever since I collaborated with Speedball with those Instagram live classes, I have been getting weekly messages from people who happen to stumble across those videos. It honestly makes me feel so fulfilled knowing that my little silly videos are helping some of y'all! I also have been getting LOTS of feedback on them. Like making the videos more concise, providing close captions, the ability to speed up the video, or make it easy to rewind. About 90% of the feedback was regarding the user experience of watching a long-format video vertically on Instagram. The best way to address those issues was to move to YouTube! If you haven’t subscribed to my channel, make sure you do!

Currently, the plan is to release a video once a week on Saturday mornings, following a similar style like the live classes. These videos will be structured into units, covering different topics. Currently, I have planned seven different units that I feel are the foundation of my relief printmaking knowledge. The videos will follow a progression from Beginner to Advanced. They are created with the absolute beginner in mind.

Nevertheless, I know there are quite a few of you who are a little more advanced, along the way you can expect Artist Advice, Art Vlogs, and Product Reviews regarding other linocut topics. So if you haven't subscribed to my channel, you better act now!

Life Update

 I have mentioned it before and will say it again… it is okay to take a break and rest. I went and used the time away from social media to recharge. I was able to sketch quite a bit; there is a whole list of ideas I want to eventually produce. However, before I do that, I need to finish printing the four pieces I have on standby! 😅

As most of you know, I have a cat named Cheeto. He is growing into a handsome and totally on-brand orange cat that keeps everyone at home entertained and wondering what he will do next! I also celebrated my 8th anniversary with my partner! That was a big milestone for us; without him, I would be totally lost half the time!

My mother also turned 62 years this summer! And she has no plan on retiring or sulking about her age. She is the most hardworking person I know, even if at times it feels I am the parent and she is the child!

Lastly, I have been taking better care of myself both mentally and physically. I went back to the gym, and I started the Mediterranean diet. I am not really dieting but just changing my eating habits. Also, one of the things I am most nervous and excited about is the fact that I joined an adult football team. So far we have had three practices. I get home sore and tired, but I am loving it and the experiences it's offering me!

Before You Go,

• Do you have a printmaking or artist-related question you want me to answer? Reply to this email and let me know here!