Happy first Monday of 2025!

It’s been awhile since I graced this part of the digital space with creative projects and I had this calling to come back to it so here I am.

Since my last post, my family and I have uprooted from the beautiful islands of Hawaii to the…well, how should I put it…rustic part of the east coast in Virginia, USA. Okay well not that rustic. Rustic enough for me coming from the west coast. There is a bit of a rustic suburban life to it. Anyway, here we are and to be honest, I’m enjoying experiencing the four seasons and learning about the history of America. Right now, we have our first snowfall of the season. Here is our driveway buried in snow:

I do miss the island life and being surrounded by family and community though. Which brings me to my word of the year. Do you have a word for this year? I’m leaning into the word, CONNECTION. Connection as in all the ways I can connect with my sense of self, others, and sharing my story and passion projects. My goal is to build the family and support I had in Hawaii here in Virginia.

Since my last post I have grown artistically. I learned Illustrator and pattern design and learned to draw and paint with watercolors since the pandemic. I have played with printing and selling my art on products and have experienced selling products in a craft fair. Let’s just say I still have a ton to learn.

Recently though, I returned to academia pursuing a degree in Studio Art. I have learned and am still learning art history, oil painting, and ceramics. After years of taking online courses, there is something motivating and inspiring when surrounded by creative people — in person — being mentored by an instructor who is passionate in their art medium. I found there is also a level of accountability and an increased intention to finish assignments including deadlines which further helped me learn faster and improve my skillset. It’s going better than I imagined. Below is an oil painting I completed that I’m so proud of. Not going to lie. Oil painting in the beginning was a challenge!

So what can you expect from me this year? 

Creative projects. Art inspiration. Maybe a tutorial here and there. Some failures. Some successes. Let’s just play, create, and connect! I look forward to what will unfold around here this year. 

Happy creating,

Myrachael