It’s been a little over a month since I reached my first 365 days back home in Miami since my move to Dallas in 2017. It is mindboggling to think how much my life has transformed since that time, when I was 26 and newly married, completely disconnected from my authentic self and my childhood dreams to be an artist.

The lockdown forced me, like many others, to sit quietly with myself and reflect on my life choices. The realization of my chronic dissociation led me to seek ways to reconnect with myself and heal the pain I was experiencing.

One of the ways I was able to re-establish my identity was through creating art. I had opened a door to self-expression and self-discovery, fed my soul again through creativity, and gained strength through other’s positive feedback and encouraging energy.

The positive reinforcement I received from my first show in Dallas, The Chocolate And Art Show propelled my confidence and opened my eyes to dream in a way that scared me.

Before the Chocolate and Art show, I hadn’t realized just how important community and feedback was for an artist like myself that is self-taught. Save one or two, I really didn’t have any artist friends to critique my work or join me in a creative-flow, or go check out a new gallery—I did not even know of any because I was so disconnected from local happenings. Dallas was not only not my home, I had no real emotional or historical connection to the area, and also did not feel inspired by the environment or ambiance. In yet, if I hadn't experienced what I did there, I probably never would have felt so eager to seek out opportunities the way I had.

Moving back to Miami was how I finally got out of my shell. Returning and witnessing how other artists bravely put themselves out there and flourish was just the energy I needed to be continuously reminded of my artistic career goals.

The Miami art scene is vibrant, growing, and dynamic. Here I’ve met passionate amateurs like myself, confident emerging artists at galleries, helpful curators, and informative, established professional artists. There is an art show or an art pop-up almost daily in creative hot-spot neighborhoods like Wynwood, Allapattah, and Little River that I only wish I had sufficient time to attend.

Working with RAW Artists and with AAKABO led me to meet and network with other South Florida painters that gave me a sense of community. In the art world, relationships are everything. It is a blessing to experience this community and feel a sense of collaboration  instead of toxic competition (because we all know some competition is normal and healthy, amirite?).  For example, through RAW, I met talented and humble portrait artist and SVA grad, Anthony Shagan who is now someone I look up to and go to for skills advice and critique. These experiences led to my sense of belonging and validation that I made the right choice for me and my art career by moving to Miami.

Even though its only been a year, I’ve established a strong friendship and relationship with a wonderful gallery in the heart of the growing Allapattah Arts District, ColourSenses Project , only to lead to more friendships and opportunities, such as my art having a feature in The Miami Herald. There are other emerging projects I will shine light on when its closer to Miami Art Week (wink wink), but for now, if you are an artist who feels their environment is blocking or impeding your growth and you’ve dreamt of making a move: I encourage you to do it if it is within your means. Go where you find inspiration. Take that risk. Environment is key for creativity (at least for me!). Who knows what opportunities await you when your milieu meets the demand of your creative appetite.

With love from somewhere sunny,

Marg