Arrival to Tinos Island, Greece

After 48 hours of travel, my family arrived to our Villa.

We received a lovely tour of the property which included a farm, olive and lemon trees, and several unique spaces to take in nature and all the incredible beautiful terrain of Tinos. We all moved our luggage in our respective rooms and got settled.

Our room, contained a play pen for H to sleep in, positioned next to the bedroom window, where the laced curtain flowed into our room with every gust of wind. Harry fell asleep shortly thereafter. He slept deeply and for hours, I suspect due to jet lag and the relaxing sounds of the ocean waves 400 meters away and from the wind rushing throughout the mountains.

I kept having this reoccurring thought, “it’s impossible to be stressed here.” There was this instant connection and closeness to nature, but not just any kind of nature. Paradise.

The Villa felt like home.

It exuded an old soul like the French Quarter apartments in New Orleans, with wooden beams on the ceiling and cobble stone floors. The place was definitely NOT baby proof. lol. The fire place and the table near the sofa was made of white marble. Gorgeous. But made me extremely cautious with Harry who was attempting, but not yet able to walk. This rental property, felt like a home. And we felt at home.

My brother-in-law, Aflredo coined this term for our stay, and it was absolutely on point. This place was a retreat. Yes, a vacation. But an opportunity to truly connect with ourselves, with nature, with divinity, creativity and each other. It was the perfect place to regroup, think, reflect, and reset.

There were so many unique, peaceful nooks on the property where any one of us could go sit outside, drink coffee or wine, and take in the beautiful view, listen to the waves & wind, and just be.

I wanted to configure how to incorporate this instant peace and serenity into my everyday life, more often when we got back to Houston.

For me, ever since I began pursing art seriously, every time I have the opportunity to travel internationally, it is an opportunity to create and get inspired. In 2019, Mark and I travelled to Spain to visit family. I packed art supplies, and created art during my stay there. I took so many pictures and videos to use as inspiration for an International Art Series: Orense, Spain. It was the first time I took myself as an artist, seriously. And it provided me, not the opportunity to work as an artist, but the wonderful gift to live as one.

Creating during travel, provides me an additional way of experiencing a place. I get to see in real time how a new environment directly affects and impacts me through the physical output of art. When the spark of inspiration hits, I have everything I need to release my thoughts, energy and ideas into real form, creating a relic symbolizing my experience.

Before sitting down to paint, I walked throughout the property by myself, taking inspirational photographs, capturing every aspect I found inspiring and artistic. This also helped with scoping out potential creative spots to write in my journal, sketch ideas with pastels and watercolors, or just enjoy the present moment with Mark, and/or my family, which is many times, the most important aspect of being a creative: enjoying the moment.

One favorite aspect of the property, (that Mark loved the most) was the outdoor kitchen. I was so inspired by the all the natural elements, wood, slate, stone that goes into the architecture and design of the property and buildings in general in Greece. I love the eclectic expression within the architectural and interior design of the property.

My first session of creating, while H napped, was at the large outdoor table that was positioned outside the front entrance. This spot provided a view of the neighboring mountains behind me, and a view of mountain leading towards the sea, on my right.

I unloaded all my supplies packed and spread them out on the table. It’s a messy process, but it provides me the opportunity to see all of my tools and goodies that are at my disposal.

I initially sketched fast.

I’ve learned quickly to move fast in the studio since Harry’s arrival. My moments for creation are far and few in between, as well as the amount of time I have for each session tends to be unknown. This first session, (and most first sessions) consists of getting warmed up creatively. Getting the juices flowing. Getting back into rhythm. No expectations, especially any desires to produce a masterpiece. But the act of sitting down, seeing the materials in front of me, breathing in the air and fully taking in the moment was soul soothing.

It is a moment where I realize I am living my dream.

I am congruent. My actions coincide with my desires.