They Visit

Sometimes I wake up from a dream expecting my mother to be asleep in the next room. The feeling is fleeting and usually followed by a brief sadness, like the period at the end of a sentence. Sometimes I wake up to complete clarity, well aware that she is no longer with us and that she hasn't been since New Year's Eve 1999.
On occasion, when I wake up from a dream in which she looked ill, the feeling that accompanies the realization that she is no longer living is relief. It is a strange thing, feeling relieved that a loved one is no longer within reach. That you will never again feel the safety of their embrace or hear their voice call out your name.
In most dreams, she is vibrant and healthy and beautiful.  She is at her prime. These are the dreams that fool with your sense of time. They're the ones you try to fall back into, but never can.
I'd like to think that she visits me. I know how that sounds, especially from someone who rejects most aspects of religion and other-worldliness. Maybe is her energy. Maybe it's self preservation and good old wishful thinking, but I can't seem to shake the feeling that when loved ones depart, they aren't forever gone. They visit.

They Visit, acrylic on canvas, 18" x 18"

2010: The Year of Latin Pop Shop

2009 was a pretty good year, overall.
We moved from less-than-adequate accommodations into a house we truly love. We were blessed with good health. Our Saint Bernard rescue, Bogart, joined our crazy family. Most importantly, we enjoyed these things together. So, while I'm looking forward to 2010 being a stellar year (we will make it so), I have no real complaints about '09.
Last year I began toying with a concept for an art-related business. I came up with something that still allows me time behind the easel but will also allow me to reach out to other artists as well as the community. Something that speaks of who I am as an artist and a person. Something that honors my heritage. I came up with Latin Pop Shop, named after "Latin Pop", the term I've used to describe my signature style of painting for years.
Latin Pop Shop is a new online retail gallery/boutique representing Latino and Latino-American artists and artisans. It will specialize in art, jewelry and apparel, but will not be limited to these alone. If it’s bold and colorful and depicts or celebrates Latin culture, made or painted by Latin hands, conceived or written by creative Latino individuals…Latin Pop Shop will probably want to share it with the world!

As a full time artist, I know the “struggle-juggle” of creating art, finding representation and of course, selling. As an artist of Latin descent, I yearn to bring our multi-faceted culture to the masses. And as an art lover and former gallery director, this is simply all I know and love! Latin Pop Shop is the combination and embodiment of my passions. It is a concept I am willing to put my hard work behind because I truly believe in its great potential.

Latin Pop Shop is being launched as an Online Gallery and Boutique but we also are considering “physical” representation of our artists in the form of art festivals and trade shows. Perhaps even Latin Pop Shop Tour event! Another goal for the future…Latin Pop Shop storefronts! For now, we will direct the bulk of our efforts and resources to e-commerce and take each step that follows wisely and logically as we grow. We are committed to representing our artists in ways that are sensible and well-planned.

It's been so exciting, starting the year off with a clear goal. Building it piece by piece. I look forward to watching my baby grow into a big success!

I'm dreaming big and I'm committing to my dreams.
2010 will be the year of Latin Pop Shop!

Dream

This morning I woke from a wonderful dream.
Somewhat odd, but wonderful.

I was in high school, or at least a high school setting, since I was already physically an adult. During class, I got the news that I'd been nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award. An incredible rush ran through me as I walked the packed hallways, trying to keep composure about me, on my way to lunch.
In the cafeteria, which was vast and modern and very little like my old high school's cafeteria, I sat with friends. Among these friends was Tim, who in real life I didn't meet until 3 or so years after I'd graduated. I had an i Phone, on which I kept checking the news to ensure my nomination had actually occurred.

There was a bridge, not the type that allows one to walk over a body of water, but the type that connects two wings of a building over an atrium, on one side of the cafeteria. From the far end of the bridge I saw her coming and I sprung from my chair. My mother!
As she approached, my grandmother, wearing a black and white brocade coat, walked through the scene. She seemed to be headed towards my mother, but walked on past her instead.

Soon, my mother stood before me, looking her most beautiful.
She had received news of my nomination and rushed from work to see me. We walked over to a table and as she sat she said, "I wouldn't be surprised if someone's proud mother has to accompany her son on stage to accept an award."