Taking time to integrate change
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Taking time to integrate change
Finishing my MFA and embarking on a new chapter of my life and artistic practice
Field Notes on Flourishing is a monthly love letter exploring art, mindfulness, creativity, and the question of flourishing — by Ludi Leiva.
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This week marked the end of a significant chapter in my life: I finished my MFA!
After two years of work (and one intense week of installation) the doors opened to the exhibition where I showed my degree project A Home is a Portal. It was up for one week and filled to the brim with an intense mix of emotions.
Showing something that had been so personal and private for so long was surreal at first, but it was incredible, too. I cried with and hugged strangers after they told me that my story felt like their story. I received positive feedback that filled my heart and am so grateful to everyone who took the time to come and see it!
I also received some feedback that reminded me of the importance of these types of stories. Stories told from the margins. Stories told in fragments typical of diasporic people and children of immigrants. Stories that some are still quick to label unclear or confusing, particularly those whose lives have not been touched by generational trauma or migration. I’ve been reminded of the importance of telling these stories regardless—and in a way that feels authentic and true to our lived experiences.
I’ve been invited to bring this installation to an art gallery this July and hope to have more exhibitions in the coming months.
I am processing a lot at the moment: I am excited about the future, but still I know that transitions take time, patience, and gentleness.
As I move forward from this chapter, I carry with me so many new learnings and approaches to my artistic practice. These last years have been filled with so much experimentation—working with sequential storytelling, printmaking, bookbinding, designing and building out installations—and I can’t wait to integrate all that I’ve learned into the next steps in my professional and artistic life.
I am excited about the future, but even so, I know that transitions take time. I intend to give myself the space to sit with the feelings of uncertainty and newness.
Right now, I am taking time to reflect, to get quiet, to process, to spend time in nature and with family and friends so this month’s newsletter is shorter than usual.
Thank you for being on this journey with me. And stay tuned — I’m so excited to continue sharing this next chapter with you all.
Some updates
I have released a capsule collection from the archives (2019-2021) on Sunshine Shop!
My astrology series along with many other pieces, are now available as prints, t-shirts, tote bags, and more. It’s been a while since I had to shut the doors of my virtual shop when I moved across the world for my MFA, but now you can support me by buying prints and other merch again!
I also intend to start selling limited edition prints and originals in addition to this collaboration. I will update you all once that is in motion.
Next month I’ll be in New York City for Pride doing an illustration activation—keep an eye on my Instagram for more details. NYC fam, I would love to see you there ❤️
Sending you a virtual hug ✨
Thank you so much for being here. Your support and presence means so much to me and I appreciate every single one of you.
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Taking time to integrate change
Very inspiring. Sharing with those that can understand diaspora and migration because of own experience and, understanding that those who have not gone through it, may not understand, and that's ok too. Open to everyone. Well written!