What happened when I stopped trying so hard

First things first, a quick invitation for my local readers: I’ll be at the Sip & Shop pop-up at Sea La Vie in Coronado on Friday, September 26th, from 5–7 pm. It’s a cozy little shop at 1112 1st St, Suite A, right by the water, and I’ll have prints and cards available. If you’re in town, I’d love for you to stop by and say hello.

Here's what else is inside:

Art In Progress

The idea wasn’t new to them. Alex’s parents had their own wedding venue painted years ago, and that artwork became the guestbook for their ceremony. Kim and Alex loved the tradition and asked me to create something in that same spirit, timeless, romantic, and deeply personal.

The idea wasn’t new to them. Alex’s parents had their own wedding venue painted years ago, and that artwork became the guestbook for their ceremony. Kim and Alex loved the tradition and asked me to create something in that same spirit, timeless, romantic, and deeply personal.

The challenge? The paper was enormous. 25 by 40 inches of white space staring back at me. Watercolor at that scale doesn’t forgive hesitation, and it required me to loosen my grip on control, to let the paint and water breathe across the surface. 

What I loved most was balancing detail with atmosphere: the terracotta-orange buildings washed in sunset light, soft blues and greens fading into sky, and of course, that great tree standing like an anchor at the center. The couple wanted it to feel like “a new dawn, a new beginning,” so the background holds that soft gradient of evening light, a kind of painted promise.

It reminded me that art, like marriage, lives in both the bold strokes and the delicate details.

Curious about commissioning a piece for your own story or milestone?

Commission your own custom piece now!

Creative Perspectives

I was selected to be part of the 10th cohort of the SDCCD Business Accelerator this year and there I had the chance to meet Alejandro, the founder of Ruelas Co., a leather goods studio in Oceanside. His work struck me immediately, not just for its beauty but for the story stitched into every piece.

Ruelas is rooted in Alejandro’s heritage. His family comes from Jalisco, Mexico, where tradition and craftsmanship are a way of life. Growing up, he was surrounded by objects passed down through generations: sombreros, saddles, belts, items that carried not only utility but memory.

When he speaks about leathercraft, it’s not about fashion trends or accessories. It’s about honoring lineage, about creating objects that are made to be carried through decades, softened by hands, shaped by stories. Every stitch and cut is done with intention.

In a time when so much feels disposable, Ruelas stands as a reminder that some things are meant to last. You can explore his work at ruelas.co or follow along on Instagram @ruelas.co.

Swilshot of the Month

The other afternoon, I sank into the corner of our living room sofa, tea in hand, bare feet tucked under, not a task in sight. Golden hour had just begun, and this quote from Kate Northrup was still echoing in my head:

“The world doesn't need you busy. The world needs you here. And it's enough. Do less. Let it be enough. And, as a result, enjoy the miraculous experience of being more of who you are.”

So I was. Here. Present.

The late light stretched across the floorboards and spilled over the objects in front of me, softening their edges, sharpening their beauty. I watched it catch the edges of the dried thistle stems, the ceramic cup, the curve of the vase. For a moment, everything stilled. Even the dust in the air shimmered with purpose.

This is what I mean when I say “Swilshot.” A simple, still moment that somehow holds it all.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is sit still and let the light find us.

Thank you, as always, for reading and for being part of this journey with me. If you’d like to explore more of my work or see what’s new in the shop, visit swilarts.com or follow me on Instagram.

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