Happy #MethodMonday & Happy Birthday, Vincent VanGogh! 🎨 Actually, I had another inagural write up to kick things off, but turns out we hit the Birthday Bingo so you get a 2 for 1 today! Without further ado, let the show begin...
When I was a kid, my mom took me to a Van Gogh exhibit in Manhattan. I was maybe 6 or 7 at the time. For some reason, it struck me with a sense of wonder before we even showed up. Without even knowing who this person was, I was inspired to bring my kit just for good measure. As soon as we arrived, I got to work. If there were other people at the exhibit, they meant nothing to me. I was perfectly content spending the day leaning on the red rope, parked right in front, creating craypa renditions of masterpieces that were physically and spiritually reaching back to meet me. The thick, rich, gloopy strokes painted with mysterious, haunting undertones. Other times joyous and playful. Dynamic, rich, and nuanced. Pure and raw. These portraits still hang in my kitchen, framed by (who else?) my mother. Every time I go home, these works still stir something up for me: Reviving long forgotten rhythms in my mind and my feet. Summertime in Willow Glen. Nana driving me to COPA. Tap dancing in the kitchen. Taking the stage, stepping into the batter’s box. Familiar with the butterflies that come with both. It’s all part of the story of how I arrived here.
The Gregangelo Museum was a real jumping off point for me, a validation of this leap of faith I've taken to pursue my passions. It was a piece of cosmic kismet that day Darkhia brought up the beard and spontaneously sized it up on my face. That was my first day. Since then it's been all systems go. It‘s an honor to personify a hero of mine in my own light. Re-imagining memories of the past. Utilizing them to revel in the present. Painting dreams into the ether. Giving hope to the future... Fast forward to this moment at The Moulin Rouge. We are cued to take the stage, seconds before go time. I put my head down to breath and take in the moment. Thanking my lucky stars and those looking down on me. I look up and the time for thinking leaves my body. The music, the lights. Muscle memory takes over. Preparation. Execution. Follow through. Serenity... 🌦☔️✨