2021 was another tough year for many and one that was dominated once again by the ongoing pandemic. As an artist I feel it is my job to document the times as I see them but also to bring joy and energy to people and communities with my work. In 2021 I really pushed to put my art work out there more in communities and do my best to bring color and and excitement to my communities. Here is a look back at some of my favorite projects this past year.
Kobe Tribute
Basketball will always be my first love, growing up I remember always hating Kobe for beating the warriors pretty much every time they played. I could never deny his greatness though. He was a man that played the game the way it ought to be played. This commissioned painting went to a great friend in New Mexico and lifetime Laker fan.
War Dance
My first art show in Monterey! This was such a fun experience getting to work on a themed art show with my friend and fellow artist Avelino Hernandez. We put so much time and effort into making this show happen not only with the paintings but also curating and building out the entire show ourselves. It was an important challenge for me as an artist to know I could make a show like this happen with my own two hands. It also showed me how much support I really had within my own art community and I couldn't be happier with how this event turned out. More shows to come!
Vinnie's Mural
This mural was a challenge from start to finish, from difficulty getting the business owner to agree on a design to then executing the mural in 100+ degree weather, then having the work defaced before I finished! Despite the challenges I grew a lot from this project and it gave me the confidence I needed leading up to the next project which would be the biggest one yet!
La Neta Mural
This mural was executed with my Mural team at We.Create 2021 Mural festival in Sand City, CA. This was the most public mural I have ever done and it was so much fun working with my fellow artists to create this masterpiece on one of the most challenging surfaces I have ever worked on, corrugated metal. We also got to work alongside some of the very best artists from around the country as 13 murals in all went up in one week. It was an amazing experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Visit Concord Mural
To wrap up the year I did my very own installation mural in my hometown of Concord. This mural led to me being invited to participate this summer in Concord's first ever Mural festival. Sometimes giving back is the best way to make things happen. This was also the first artwork I got published in the newspaper making the front page of the Concord Pioneer!
It has been a year of public murals and I can't be more grateful for the experiences and the knowledge moving forward. I learned so much this past year and it has given me great confidence to meet the challenges that will most certainly face me in the years to come. Our greatest strengths come from the ability to perceive challenges as opportunities. No matter how much we fall, as long as we keep picking ourselves up we will continue to grow. Thank you to my entire community for all your support and for continuing to follow my journey and believe in me.
Bring on 2022!!
-AB
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