processing: pure joy

wow. all i can say is that my present reality is quite honestly surreal.

it's funny to think about how if you told me a year ago, i'd have had the evening i just did - i never would have believed you.

there's something remarkable about finally believing in yourself. in realizing that you've always been enough all along, and that the right people will be able to see the light inside you too.

ok ok ok,

so to start off, just being in the presence of art, being in a space where expression is celebrated and uplifted and the main event, is a privilege that i do not take lightly. growing up, i had an affinity to art - not only was my elementary school art teacher a wonderful, supportive, funny yet firm mentor, art above all, gave me an outlet. allowed me the space and the means to both zone out to unpack, and express myself at the same time. to be in the presence of such beautiful art, such amazing, talented, powerful art alongside their artists…unreal. at the same time, very real, and humbling, and heartening about this work. to know that you don't need a technical degree to create, to express, to liberate your soul through whatever means feels the most satiating.

next, was realizing the sheer amount of people who are hungry to consume, appreciate, admire, and learn from the art that is available, specifically the art so thoughtfully gathered, arrayed, and uplifted, by an individual who holds such unique yet similar identities as me…

literally i am living the dream.

my heart is so full it overflows.

attached are pictures that i took of the amazing art that i got to bear witness to tonight.

each of these works are currently displayed at Pure Joy, housed at 1969 Gallery.