Earlier this year, I said I wanted to travel for my art. I didn’t know how, or when, but I put the intention out there. And this month—I did exactly that.
I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Austin, Texas, to share my work at the Apricity Showcase, hosted by Apricity Magazine, and to give my very first live artist talk at the University of Texas at Austin. That alone was a dream I never fully imagined would come true—but it did. And it was everything I hoped it would be and more.
Standing in front of a room full of creatives, students, and art lovers, I shared my journey, my inspiration, and the emotional layers behind my work. I brought Illuminate with me—one of my favorite paintings—and seeing it on display, surrounded by people genuinely engaging with it, was surreal. It felt like a full-circle moment: scary, exciting, and deeply fulfilling.
Outside of the showcase, Austin surprised me in the best ways. I had no idea how many seafood restaurants the city had—oysters, lobster rolls… yes, please! I visited the Blanton Museum, saw the Gutenberg Bible and the first photograph ever taken. I wandered the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, saw the famous bats fly from the Congress Avenue Bridge, and even designed my own hat (because… when in Texas, right?).
But what really struck me was the energy of the city. Everyone seemed to be outside—walking dogs, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), soaking up life along the river. There was this beautiful mix of hustle, joy, and peacefulness in the air. It made me want to soak in every moment and reminded me just how much art and nature go hand in hand.
I’m endlessly grateful to Apricity for accepting my work into their magazine volume 9 and inviting me to speak. This whole experience reminded me of something so important: to do the things that scare you. To open doors, even when you’re unsure what’s on the other side. To chase dreams that feel just a little out of reach. That’s where the magic is.
Austin, thank you for your vibrant energy, your warm welcome, and for showing me that there’s so much more to come.
