EXHIBITING MY FIRST COLLECTION: A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES
Happy Monday ! This past week was an exciting and busy week, with the launch of the collection, I spent time packaging and mailing out orders. I am beyond humbled for the opportunity to share my art with you and incredibly grateful for the response to the collection!
I’m also veryyy excited to share with you that the originals from the Quarantine Dreams collection are currently under exhibit at the very elegant El Cid barbershop.
It was challenging and exciting to see it come together and I’m really over the moon now that it’s completed, and today I will be taking you through the entire process of the preparations and thoughts of how it came together. Scroll on down to see all the behind the scenes!
The owner of this space had approached me some time ago about exhibiting some of my work. But, at the time if I may be honest the thought was a little intimidating. Not feeling confident in my work, I pushed the idea to the back of my mind as something to consider for the farrr future. But, during this time of isolation and quarantine I have been reflecting a lot. I continue to realize that fear, although it lures you with it’s promises of safety by carefully keeping you tucked away in your little shell and comfort zone is indeed… crippling.
Determined to step out, trust God and no longer, dwell in the claws of fear. I accepted the challenge to step out of my comfort zone and exhibit my first collection.
Packaging orders.
During this process, realizing I was in new ground, at times I struggled with some anxiety, the feeling of exposing myself in this new way made me feel vulnerable and uncomfortable, but now on the other side I can tell you that truly taking a leap of faith is an enriching experience.
Closing your eyes , trusting and holding on to God the one who promises to go before us, it’s an adventure full of lessons and growth. And, truly everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear!
“Everything you ever wanted is on the other side of fear” - George Addair
I hope you’re inspired and may you be encouraged to follow your own dreams :) So let’s get on to the process and I’m excited to show you the behind the scenes.
FRAMING:
I first had to order and frame all the original artwork. Here they were all lined up, I went for a simple white frame with negative space for a modern and minimalist look.
CALLIGRAPHY
I created calligraphy pieces with the verses and quotes that were part of the inspiration for this collection :
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. “ John 10:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
“ Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear” George Addair
COMPOSITION
Now that all artwork and calligraphy pieces were ready, it was on to finding the right composition for the wall space provided. With the help of a good friend, hours and measurements later we settled on this composition and it was now ready to be mounted. Here’s my little pooch Armani modeling for us :)
MOUNTING ARTWORK - DAY 1:
For the first day of mounting we got our measurements just right and began placing the artwork. So thankful for my helpers my good friend and mother who were so patient throughout the whole process!
DESIGNING & CUTTING GRAPHICS:
I personally designed the graphics for the collection’s logo and name, then cut them with my machine.
These will be adhered to the wall.
DAY TWO:
Placing the graphics on the wall. I was really excited for this part as these little details would bring it all together. Many measurements later, carefully ensuring that each letter was aligned.
FINISHING TOUCHES:
Wiping away and we’re almost done!
FINAL PIECE!
Here’s the completed piece and I’m so excited with how it came out! It was tedious work getting all the details just right, but seeing the finished product brought me so much joy! The exhibition will be under display until Friday, August 28 at El Cid. If you’re in the are be sure to stop by and check it out!
I hope you’re encouraged and inspired in stepping out of your comfort zone! I believe in you and what God has placed in your heart. may your week be filled with joy!
Till next time,
Paloma
