 I'm thrilled to share some iPhone photos of my commission paintings recently installed at Moonlight Basin, Big Sky, MT for One & Only Resorts. Although professional photos are on the way, I couldn't miss the chance to give you a sneak peek. These large-scale, sculptural works incorporate Montana soil, foraged sawdust, and a touch of bronze, paying tribute to Montana's rich mining history.
A heartfelt thank you to our friends at Echo Arts for giving me the opportunity to contribute to and celebrate what I love in my community.  I am deeply appreciative of the businesses and individuals who choose to embrace the beauty of original art for their establishments. Your investment not only uplifts the local economy but serves as a lifeline for small businesses like mine. A sincere thank you to Urban Hill restaurant in downtown SLC for graciously investing in three of my original paintings. It's truly an honor to contribute to the sophisticated and stylish atmosphere you create for our community.
 Metamorphosis
1 a. change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means b. a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances 2 a. typically marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (such as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies  Sculptural works that draw inspiration from the beauty of nature and explore the profound forces of creation, destruction, and transformation.
 Embracing the theme that has woven through the tapestry of my life - "fearlessness" - I've navigated a myriad of challenges, each an opportunity to confront and triumph over fear. From immigration and career shifts to the ebb and flow of relationships, frequent relocations, and facing natural disasters like volcanic eruptions and wildfires, my journey has been a mosaic of resilience.
The canvas, my sanctuary and confidant, has witnessed my evolution. It became the haven where I painted my response to life's tests, refusing to be defined by the structures of bricks and mortar I left behind. In the face of separation, the passing of loved ones, and health adversities, I chose to build my refuge on the canvas - a spiritual home that transcends the physical. Recently, revisiting "Silver City" (affectionately named after the paint color that adorned our home) for the first time since our 2018 evacuation was a poignant experience. The resilience of our home, standing amidst the threat of lava, left me in awe. It symbolized not just survival but the enduring spirit of creation. The question that lingers is whether I'll return to Hawaii to live. The answer remains uncertain, held in the delicate balance of life's unfolding chapters. We shall see. The canvas of my life continues to be painted with hues of hope, and the future awaits, promising new landscapes of courage and possibility.  Embarking on the Big Island journey brought unforgettable moments at Maku'u Farmers Market, Red Road, Kehena Black Sand Beach, Paradise Park, and Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay). The island's natural charm and captivating allure create a sensation of a far-off paradise. It's truly surreal to reflect on the fact that this was once home. Amidst the mix of emotions—longing, a hint of sadness for what's left behind, and profound gratitude for the cherished memories.
 Submerging my canvas in the beauty of Hawaii, absorbing and reflecting the essence of this paradisiacal island.
 I am gripped with conflicting emotions as I contemplate my upcoming visit to the Big Island of Hawaii - my first in 5 years. It's a bit akin to encountering an ex-lover. We once shared a life, intertwining our existence with moments of intimacy and dreams of a shared future. However, our union abruptly came to an end when Kilauea volcano erupted in 2018.
 I'm thrilled to be part of the upcoming second annual Utah Indigenous Fashion Week scheduled for this Saturday, February 10, at Material Contemporary. The convergence of art, fashion, and culture is immensely meaningful to me, serving as a gateway to contribute and integrate into my new community.
My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the businesses and individuals who played a crucial role in bringing this event to life. A special thanks is extended to Colour Maisch and Jorge Rojas for their exceptional contributions. I'm also eagerly anticipating the opportunity to exhibit a piece from my "Sacred Skins" collection: "The Lamb of God." This creation pays homage to my late father's Brazilian gaucho heritage and my Amazonian Guarani indigenous ancestry.  OCA is pleased to present Transference, featuring artworks by teaching artists and students of Artist Factory. This exhibit represents the skill, innovation, and vibrancy shared within our arts education programs and community. Our teaching artists create lessons for youth that integrate the elements and principles of art & design with themes of identity, social justice, environmentalism, family, and mental health.
The Artist Factory hosts and administers a comprehensive schedule of quality workshops taught by professional artists. We’ve partnered with local organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Weber-Davis, Youth Impact, YCC Family Crisis Center, The Monarch, Utah Division of Arts & Museums, Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs, and the Weber Valley Youth Center. Our teaching artists develop lesson plans that engage media across artistic disciplines including photography, videography, painting, drawing, printmaking, performance art, new genres, and more. By expanding our youths’ skills, knowledge, and confidence in an array of art forms and providing community platforms to showcase their talents, we believe the arts help our youth achieve success at school, home, and beyond. Exhibiting Artists: Samantha da Silva, Inez Garcia, Joshua Graham, Jeffery Hampshire, Emily Hawkins, Colour Maisch, Nancy Andruk Olson, Rebecca Pletsch, Jorge Rojas, Douglas Tolman & Artist Factory Students 'Broken Open' & 'Setting Myself Free', mixed media on canvas, 48" x 36" Purchase inquiry at Gallery Mar |