In December 2013, I had the privilege of showing my work at the prestigious SCOPE Miami/Art Basel in Miami! This opportunity was made possible through the Red Bull Curates competition, which I won last Summer. I got busy working on three original 40x40" pieces on stretch canvases just as soon as I knew I was going! December arrived before I knew it, and I was off to Miami Beach for the first time!
It was amazing to finally utilize my Cykochik tote bag as my carry-on. Not only did it keep me super organized during my busy trip, but it handled flights, layovers, being covered in sand and salt spray at the beach, and carrying way too many things at once with perfect ease. I even carried my lunch around in it at times. Not even a scuff! If anything, it's actually looked better the more I've used it.
My Red Bull credentials!
Hello, MIAMI! After a late flight, I got much needed sleep and woke up early to explore! It was amazing to stay at the Clevelander hotel, just a five minute walk to the beach! This was my first glimpse of the SCOPE Pavilion.
They were still tidying up a bit on Press/ VIP first-look day since it didn't technically open until the next day. It was absolutely surreal to be attending a contemporary art show like this ON THE BEACH.
Two of my three pieces!
Charmaine Olivia's work was even more beautiful in person.
Viveros is a genius!
Audrey Kawasaki's mini solo show in the Thinkspace Gallery booth.
To see Audrey Kawasaki's work in person was such a treat.
Mark Ryden!
Nychos never disappoints.
This heart made of taxidermy bats was pretty spectacular.
The area around the Clevelander was delightfully walkable. I spent my mornings enjoying croissants, eggs, and espresso at this cute cafe across from the beach and the Art Deco Welcome Center. This was my first out-of-town adventure without a travel buddy (the first half, at least), but I was pleasantly surprised at the self-reflection experiencing a new place solo gave me.
I couldn't get enough of the beach. I hadn't seen sands this white and pristine since I was in Cozumel, Mexico several years ago. Miami Beach was just as beautiful (if not more) as I imagined it would be.
Midway through my trip, my lovely hosts, The Arts Fund, held a special artist dinner for all of us at the amazing Baoli off Colins Avenue in Miami Beach. It was a beautiful experience getting to know the other artists, and enjoying delicious food and red wine by candlelight under the stars on their outdoor patio.
My partner in crime arrived on day 3 of my trip, and we had a super late al fresco dinner at the News Cafe, then went for a walk on the beach just as the sun was coming up.
This trip was truly one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It was an amazing opportunity to show my work amongst so many prolific artists, and I can't thank RED BULL and the Arts Fund enough. Goodbye, Miami! I'll never forget you!