How Do You Fit Twenty Years Into One Room?

Hey, hello there, friend!

Last night, for the first time in my life, I went to sleep completely forgetting about my blog. I had sat down to write and even mentioned it in my stories, but then I went out for dinner, went to bed, and woke up today with that feeling of “something’s missing.” Oh, right. THE BLOG ;)

Apparently, preparing the biggest solo exhibition of my career while getting ready to move out of the place I’ve called home for almost twenty years is where my brain finally draws the line. Invitations? Yes. Paintings? Yes. Film? Yes. A thousand little decisions? Absolutely. Remembering what day it is? We’ll get back to you.

Now I understand what people mean when they say they have too many tabs open in their brains. I’m pretty sure mine are all running in the background, and at least one is playing music I can’t find. Some nights, I sleep so deeply that I wake up later than usual. Other nights, I’m wide awake at 3 a.m., full of energy, as if my brain has called a meeting without asking me.

Interestingly enough, in the middle of everything that’s happening, I still feel the quiet wisdom of my soul reigning supreme. I’ve never felt it this clearly before ;)

So here I'mm, a day later, with a lot on my mind and nine days until Love Letters to Hermosa opens on Saturday, October 24.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve shared the paintings, the planning, and the stories behind this exhibition. But as the opening gets closer, I keep thinking about the people who will walk through the door. Friends who knew me before art became my full-time life. Collectors who took a chance on my work. Neighbors who stopped by the studio for a conversation. People who came into my life because a colorful painting caught their attention.

How do you put everything those encounters meant into one room? I’m working on it ;)

Creating solo shows has always been one of my favorite things to do because I get to bring so many parts of myself together. I love thinking about how you’ll move through the space, what might make you pause, and what you’ll remember afterward. For this exhibition, I’m bringing together paintings from different chapters of my life, interactive art experiences, and something I’m especially excited to share: a short film honoring Hermosa Beach and the community that helped shape my life here.

The film is produced by WeBook Productions, with filmmaking and images by the wonderful local filmmaker Neil Fernandez. It gives me another way to share what this place means to me, the town I’ve painted for years, the feeling of belonging somewhere far from where I was born, and the people who became part of that story. You’ve seen Hermosa through my colors. Now I get to invite you into that story through film, too.

And there’s something very personal about bringing all of this to Resin Gallery. So much of my growth as an artist happened alongside this community. As a founding member of the South Bay Artist Collective, I helped build something that also helped build me. Returning with this exhibition feels like gathering years of conversations, courage, experiments, and friendships under one roof. That’s also why I’m donating a portion of the exhibition’s art sales to support this arts community. It’s my way of giving back to a place that gave me so much, and helping keep that door open for other artists to find their people and grow.

In between the preparations, I’m still trying to understand what leaving will feel like. Some days, I’m focused on getting everything ready. Other days, putting a flyer around town reminds me that I’m inviting people to my own farewell, and that still feels a little impossible to comprehend.

But imagining us all together makes me excited. I want to see people reconnect, hear the stories a painting brings back, and watch someone discover a piece they want to live with.

There will also be an opportunity to share your own love letter to Hermosa, because I know I’m far from the only person with something to thank this town for.

Please come, and bring someone who has a little Hermosa in their heart. Your family, your neighbor, your friend who loves art, or the person who’s always saying, “We should do something together.” This is our something.

And if a painting feels like it belongs in your home, I would love for its next chapter to begin with you as mine begins somewhere new.

Love Letters to Hermosa

Opening celebration: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 5 ~9 PM

Resin Gallery, Hermosa Beach

Exhibition on view through November 1

RSVP and come celebrate with us. I’ve spent years painting this place, and I can’t wait to share this evening with the people who made it home.

Color Your Life!

Drica