A San Diego Tradition, a Polish Visionary, and Stories We Tell Ourselves

Today, I want to share a little glimpse into my world, both inside and outside the studio. This newsletter is all about inspiring connection: with art, with incredible creators, and with your inner self.

Here’s what to expect:

• Art In Progress: in this section, I’ll be sharing with you what I am working on. In this edition I’ll give you a sneak peek at my collaboration with La Valencia Hotel for their limited-edition holiday ornaments.
• Creative Perspectives: in every issue of the newsletter, I will be shining a light on amazing artists whose incredible work deserves even more celebration. Each creator brings a unique perspective that challenges and enriches our understanding of art. This time, the spotlight is on Karolina Jabłońska, an extraordinary artist whose work captures the awkward beauty of everyday life.
• Mindful Moments: to leave you with some inspiration, I’ll be sharing powerful quotes, thoughts or ideas around mindfulness. For this mindful moment, I am reflecting on how our nervous systems shape our stories and how we can rewrite them.

Art In Progress

 This holiday season, I’ve been collaborating with La Valencia Hotel, an iconic landmark in San Diego, to create something truly special. Together, we’ve designed limited-edition ornaments inspired by the hotel’s timeless Mediterranean architecture. These handcrafted keepsakes combine my watercolor artistry with intricate gold embellishments, making them both festive and deeply personal.

For me, this project represents the joy of preserving stories through art, connecting the history of a beloved place to the holiday traditions of its community. The ornaments are exclusive to the hotel and serve as a tribute to its beauty and legacy. You can learn more about the collaboration here or order your own at La Valencia Hotel’s online store.

Creative Perspectives

This week, I want to introduce you to Karolina Jabłońska, a fellow Polish artist. Karolina’s work is as emotive as it is thought-provoking. Based in Kraków, Karolina creates paintings that reflect on the awkwardness of everyday situations. Her art captures small sensory and emotional impressions, layering personal experiences with a subtle but potent commentary on societal and political constraints.

One recurring theme in her work is a monumental depiction of face, often her own. These striking portraits serve as both self-representation and a universal alter ego, inviting viewers to explore deeply personal and political narratives. Pairing expressive color with a dry wit and art historical references, her work is not only immediate but unforgettable.

If you're curious to explore more of Karolina's work, visit her Instagram.

Mindful Moments

 "There are no fixed personalities, there are frequently recurring reactions." – Elisabeth Kristof

I came across this idea in Kate Northrup’s Relaxed Money program, where Elisabeth spoke about the nervous system. It reminded me that the stories we tell ourselves, like “this is just who I am” or “I need to push through stress”, aren’t set in stone. Understanding our nervous system reveals a powerful truth – these aren't fixed traits but patterns we can reshape. 

This week, I invite you to reflect on one story about yourself that feels heavy or limiting. What if you approached it with loving curiosity instead of unexamined attachment?