Maria Sanchez

Finding my groove in the middle of a pandemic.

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 13:48:00 -0700

It's a warm Saturday afternoon here in my kitchen, as my mom watches Cantinflas and the neighborhood dogs bark to yet another round of fireworks. Life has changed for me in the recent years, two of my kids are now married, my 30 year marriage ended and my youngest is heading off to university in the Fall. It's been a time of transition, mourning and letting go. In the midst of it all I think I finally found my groove. It's been a difficult few months with all that we are facing in the world and in our local communities with Covid-19, social and economic disparities. Heartbreaking loss of life and palpable fear.

Since the Shelter in Place began in March... just days after closing the shop. I've pretty much turned to getting my hands dirty and playing with dirt, literally by planting a new vegetable garden, filling planter boxes and rekindling my love for succulents and flowers. Getting close to the earth has been the most grounding thing during this time. I have also been looking for a regular job. Interviewed with a few companies but doors haven't opened. (I think the universe has a different plan for me). I've been an executive assistant in the corporate world for over 20 years. All those years I watched, I listened, I absorbed what those in leadership where doing, how they treated people, how they conducted business. The successful ones and the not so successful ones. While that life was good for me and allowed me to raise a family, have a nice home, start a business etc. It did not satisfy that deep internal need to create. I think we all have an inherent need to create and build something. I limited my creativity to spreadsheets, powerpoint and planning company parties. When I did have time after work I was left with very little energy.

Several years ago before opening the cafe (Tertulia Coffee) and gallery (Sanchez Contemporary) in Oakland I saved the name BlueVentana.com and held on to it. Thinking that one day I would use it. Finding my groove in the middle of a pandemic is not what I would have predicted by any means. But I am closing my eyes and jumping in because I've been preaching BeBraveMujer! forever and I can't keep saying that and continue to hold myself back. I've been listening to my inner critic for too long. I've learned and made mistakes along the way... big ones, little ones and I take all of those lessons with me.

I shared this video on social media but am sharing again here for the blog. It's a little introduction and coming soon video on my new venture. Please follow and like the videos that are coming on my Youtube channel as that will also help me build visibility and down the road a revenue stream to continue with my dream. I hope you join me on my journey as I will be sharing on different subjects as I am not just a plant person. Blue Ventanta: Home & Living encompasses much more than just plant arrangements.

I am also an artist (sandiafria.com), a curator (SanchezContemporary.com) and now a new business owner (BlueVentana LLC). My passions are many but they have a common theme. That interconnection being my love for people and using creativity as a way to connect, add color and life and help others heal in anyway way I can. We all have things to heal from and to let go of. I'm letting go of fear today and believing that this is doable. Launching a business during a pandemic may seem like a crazy thing to do but my heart says do it... You're gonna be alright. Things that I need for this journey are manifesting as I type this.

As an immigrant and Latina woman I know that we need more representation in leadership, government, business and the art world. I also know that these things are not achieved alone. We need our families and communities to help guide and uplift us along the way. Several friends have suggested I launch a gofundme campaign as it does take start up capital to get things going. Thanks again for believing in this dream and those that suggested it. In the mean time I will be creating online art shows, revamping my website and building up my inventory of plants, vessels and painting my heart out.

Abrazos! be safe (wear a mask) and remember...

You Are So Loved,

Maria S.

Intuition a new series of intuitive paintings.

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 11:44:00 -0700

I N T U I T I O N

A new series of intuitive paintings.

Acrylics on Fluid Cold Pressed Watercolor paper.

12 x 12 inches

Available in my Etsy Shop as well as in merchandise in RedBubble.

How are you?

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 16:15:00 -0700

How are you? It seems to be the question every time I talk to someone lately. So much going on in the world. I have been home Sheltered In Place with my mom, daughter and sister. I am finding ways to stay busy. It's been a challenge to stay motivated when there is so much sad news. It's times like this where you dig deep, go inside and find hope in all the good that is happening. Staying in gratitude for all the blessings that come my way everyday.

I've also been working in the garden, planting seeds as well as returning to my art practice. I used to be prolific painter in years past. The last 4 years have been consumed by the gallery and cafe that we closed in March just a few days before the Shelter in Place order. I am continuing to curate art as I did before and taking it online just like old times. I think it will be while before galleries open again and because both my mom and I are high risk I won't be visiting them anytime soon.

These past few months at home have given me time to reflect on what my heart wants to do.
I want to help people heal through art, taping into their heart centers to live a life where love and compassion rule not allowing fear, anger or hate to take over. Life is too short to live that way.

Stay tuned as I pivot and work on how I'm going to do that. For now let's just say I am a full-time artist and online curator. :) that makes me happy just typing that.

For the past few weeks I've been letting go of older art pieces on Ebay and also creating new small pieces. I am listing them on EBay mostly and also adding art to sites: RedBubble and Patreon.

I always say I'm going to blog more and I hope to really I do. It's so easy to just do a Facebook post but honestly I'm not liking it much anymore. So you may just see me hanging out here more often. I'm also posting new work on my Instagram page.

Love you all and remember. You are so Loved. Stay safe my friends.
Maria

I'm back!

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Wed, 4 Sep 2019 15:39:00 -0700

After almost 3 years of not blogging I am back! I'm excited to share what I've been doing for the past 3 years and also share new projects. I could write a book on what life has taught me, but for now I will revive this little art blog. I miss writing and I miss sharing on this platform.While the masses flock to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and all the other social platforms. I personally miss the intimacy of writing with out word count limits and hope to filter out all the other noise associated with the other sites. My goal is to simplify where I post and how I share. I hope you join me on this new journey.

Blog move.

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 11:17:00 -0800

Hi all,

This blog is no longer being updated. I've moved my blog and updates over to: http://mariasanchez.me/

Thank you for stopping to visit here.

Maria S.

Moleskine watercolor paintings

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 11:26:00 -0700

Happy Friday! I had a great week with lots of great news that I hope to be able to share soon. In the meantime I've been spending the little free time I have exploring watercolors and mixed media in the Moleskine journal. Enjoy!

Good Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Fri, 3 Apr 2015 14:29:00 -0700

It's Good Friday and all is good. Sending out love and blessings on this sacred of days. Taking time to reflect on what is good, the sacrifice made many years ago and the many blessings in my life. I can easily sit here and complain about about a lot of things, but choosing not to. Life is oh so short. So I revel in the little blessings like playing with new art supplies. I picked up this pretty pink Moleskine and some watercolor pencils to get me inspired again. Yesterday started with some abstract drawings and today a little more free form sketches. Feels oh so good to see color dance across this fresh new Moleskine. Maybe these will become larger paintings in the next few weeks to come!

Pleasure in the familiar.

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 11:33:00 -0700

Taking pleasure in the familiar is something that I need to do when life is full of uncertainty. For whatever reason it seems that a lot of things are on the verge of change in my life right now. I am wrapping up my B.S. and trying to decide on graduate school. We are moving soon and looking for a new home, packing and purging is always a treat (not really) but I have to look at the positive. Purging means less stuff to carry with us into our new home. But the process of purging can be daunting. My work life is also in flux. I am making the best of the situation and opening myself up to new opportunities.

With all of this change and uncertainly I rely on what I am familiar with to soothe my soul. For some people it's music, a massage or a mind trip into a new book. I enjoy getting dirty... with dirt. I know with out a doubt that if I plant a seed it will bloom. Spring will always come, tulips will bloom and our California hillsides will be bright orange with poppies. They are familiar and predictable, when life is not.

I took a break from packing, moving boxes, homework and cleaning this weekend to create a little succulent garden. This is peace to me. It's familiar. It's home.

En Plena Flor - In Full Bloom

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 11:12:00 -0700

Change is in the air I can feel it. Can you? This time of year always reminds me of how we all have the potential to grow, change and improve. Bloom... yes? It's been a few months since my last post, and lots has happened since December. I've been very focused on finishing up school and working on some larger personal projects. I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and will be done with my B.S. come May. I also was given the opportunity to curate a women's art exhibit En Plena Flor/In Full Bloom for Puerto Alegre in San Francisco (runs through April 28th).

March also ushered in the launch of my personal MariaSanchezGallery.com that will focus on representing emerging & mid career artists in the Contemporary Modern Art space with a focus on Latin@ artists.

I also had the opportunity to be in a group art show in Oakland at the Beso Maya Gallery that will be up until the end of March.

Valentines' was spent with Tim and the girls on a road trip to Southern Cal and got to meet some legends of the Chicano art movement including Gronk, David Botello, Wayne Healey, Sonia Romero, Fabian Debora and David Martinez. Came away very inspired from that trip not mention the blessing of being able to bring home some original artwork.

Today I take a little step back and look at the first three months of the year and can't wait to see what the rest of the year has to bring. I'm hoping that I'll have some time to paint and create a new body of work.

Cala by Lorena Castillo

hand-colored photo

Lorena is one of the 20 artists participating in the En Plena Flor art show at Puerto Alegre in San Francisco. If you missed the opening but would like to see the artwork. Please visit https://enplenaflor.wordpress.com/

Virgencita on wood blocks

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Wed, 3 Dec 2014 15:41:00 -0800

I've not had much time to paint, between work and evening classes. But I did over the holiday weekend find these lovely woodblocks that my niece gave me many years ago. After doing an inventory of my supplies I found them and decided they were perfect for virgencitas, madonna and child paintings. Here are what I have so far. Stay tuned as I will be making more of them. I will have them available for sale at Galera Beso Maya, in Oakland CA.through March, 2015.

Are you Fall ready?

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 11:13:00 -0700

I finally got around to putting out some Fall decorations. Keeping it simple mostly just some garland, twinkle lights and some mini pumpkins. I love this time of year even though it's the busiest time for me. Here's to a fog filled days and cool nights. The smell of canela spices and brown sugar.

How are you decorating for Fall?

Current Art Exhibibits 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 10:00:00 -0700

If you are out and about the Bay Area, please stop by and visit these locations. My artwork will be on display and for sale. check it out!

RICHMOND, CA. Familias Unidas, 35th Anniversary, Dia de los Muertos Benefit/Auction, October 24th. click for more info (curated by Dr. Martina Ayala)

SAN FRANCISCO, CA. Mission Education Development Agency (MEDA), "Arte en la Plaza", group show, (curated by Global America), October 18 - December 18th, 2014

SAN BRUNO, CA. San Bruno Framing and Art Gallery, "Bohemian Nights" (curated by Global America) Sept 9th - October 15th, 2014. (group show)

SAN FRANCISCO, CA. Antologia Vinoteca, Hispanic Heritage Month. August 24th - October 27th. (Curated by Global America) Sales Contact: 415-685-7866, americaj@gmail.com , Address: 515 Broadway St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Art Exhibit in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Sept 5th. SF.

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Tue, 2 Sep 2014 14:23:00 -0700

Antologia Vinoteca, SF. Artist Reception Friday Sept 5th. 6-9pm in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. My artwork will be on display from August 24th - September 27th. Global America and I gladly invite you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Antologia. For Questions and Sales contact: Global America 415-685-7866 americaj@gmail.com

Bay Area friends I hope you'll come out. They have one of the largest collections of wines from Latin America. Hope to see you there. Curated by America Jimdela. http://www.antologiasf.com/

Antologia Vinoteca

515 Broadway St
San Francisco, CA 94133

ABLA 30 Day Art Challenge. Day 13 Self-Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 09:15:00 -0700

So far we are on Day 13 of the ABLA 30 Day Art/Creativity Challenge. This is the first self-portrait I've done. Come check the beautiful artwork that has been shared over on the ABLA Facebook wall. You can visit us here! https://www.facebook.com/Artbylatinaartists?fref=nf

ABLA 30 Day Art Challenge Starts Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 12:04:00 -0700

Are you looking to wake up your art muse? Here are some creativity/art prompts to help you along the way. Join us on this 30 Day journey into creativity. See you over on the ArtByLatinaArtists, Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Artbylatinaartists

DAY 1: CONNECTION,

"We are all Connected", Mixed media collage & ink.

Upcoming and current art exhibits...

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Fri, 30 May 2014 15:42:00 -0700

2014

Upcoming Exhibits:

SAN FRANCISCO, CA
July 1st, 2014
Pasion de Frida (in celebration of Frida Kahlo's birthday)
Puerto Allegre Restaurant
546 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Group show, curated by Bird Levy.

Currently Exhibiting:

OAKLAND, CA
Journey of Motherhood, Group show curated by Valerie Medina
Urban Furniture, 3241 Grand Ave.
May 1 - June 1st.

HALFMOON BAY, CA
Luz Luna Shop
527 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA

SAN JOSE, CA

Catholic Charities, Eastside Neighborhood Center.

On permanent view...a selection of paintings from my personal collection are on display at Catholic Charities (Eastside Neighborhood Center) of San Jose, they serve the local low-income senior community thousands of meals every year. Please support this very worthy cause. Visit in person to offer support by volunteering or by financial donation.

Catholic Charities, Eastside Neighborhood Center

2150 Alum Rock Avenue

San José, CA 95116

408.251.0215

New ventures and sketching

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Tue, 13 May 2014 15:26:00 -0700

I've not posted very much here and for that I am sorry. I have been pretty busy with classes and homework and just trying to juggle everything. I am also writing a lot (for evening class) and mostly sketching when time allows. Here is a recent one, exploring fear and the fear of telling stories as I embark on a new venture of creating stories for children's books. I know that deep inside of me there are so many little stories to told and shared. In the meantime I am learning from a wonderful mentor and teacher Maya Gonzalez. Learning to open heart and listen to the stories that want to be shared with children. Learning to play with new mediums and overcoming the fear associated with trying new things and coming the realization that fear will always be there. I need to ignore it and just write, explore and let the words flow. The same way I do with art and painting. The brush takes on it's own magic and it releases what needs to be released.

“It is not fear that stops you from doing the brave and true thing in your daily life. Rather, the problem is avoidance. You want to feel comfortable so you avoid doing or saying the thing that will evoke fear and other difficult emotions. Avoidance will make you feel less vulnerable in the short run but, it will never make you less afraid.” Harriet Lerner

El Sol y La Sandia

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 10:18:00 -0800

Two new paintings El Sol y La Sandia.. subjects that I always go back to, they are like comfort food to my soul. I've always enjoyed painting them. Plus they remind me of summer and I'd much rather be enjoying the sunshine and warm temperatures than the cold of winter.

They are both acrylic on canvas panel and are available in my Etsy shop.

Artist Reception Oct. 26th, Galeria Beso Maya

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Fri, 25 Oct 2013 13:26:00 -0700

This year I was blessed with the opportunity to share some of my paintings for Dia de los Muertos at Galeria Beso Maya, in Oakland California. I hope to see you there 6-10pm this Saturday, October 26th. Group show with Oscar Cisneros, Martha A. Rodriguez, Alejandra Oseguera-Palacios, Adrian Delgado, Kathleen Rojas & Valerie Medina. Thank you Yarita Joon.

Images: Galeria Beso Maya (Yarita Joon)

Catrina & Corazones

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 13:21:00 -0700

I've been painting lots of Catrina's and hearts lately. The Dia de los Muertos season is in full effect this year I was able to paint a few Catrinas and Painted ladies to my series, along with several new heart paintings. Here are a couple of the latest. The corazon is now available in my Etsy Shop. The Catrina Rosa is available via UGallery.com. The little Catrina was featured as a "staff favorite" this past week. :) thank you UGallery.

Sandiafria... Wallpaper, Fabric and Wrapping Paper!

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Wed, 9 Oct 2013 16:07:00 -0700

Coming Soon! My artwork will be available for crafters as fabric, wallpaper and wrapping paper!I'm so excited about this! Stay tuned.

Weekend painting Dia de los Muertos Catrina

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 15:20:00 -0700

I spent the weekend picking up paintings from friends in SF and welcoming the 1st rainy day of the season. Saturday was spent mostly relaxing by a fire, drinking coffee, hangout at home, guys watching football and doing not so fun stuff like laundry and going through art that I had stored away. But in the process found some pieces that I had started and decided I'd better finish. So here is one of my Catrina paintings that I started last year and for some reason never got around finishing. I'm normally pretty good about finishing a painting and seeing it through. But sometimes I if it's taking too long then I loose interest. Well, I love how this one turned out and I'm happy to say she may be going to Half Moon Bay to hang out in a little gallery/shop there. This painting along with several others are available at Luz Luna Shop on Main St. in Half Moon Bay, CA.

From Tiny Acorn to Majestic Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:02:00 -0700

Walking around the Stanford University campus I see these giant oak trees that I just love. They are just so strong and majestic looking. I can only imagine the people they have seen, the stories they could tell. Every now and then I pick up some acorns. They remind me of how from a small seed can come great things.

"The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun."
- Napoleon Hill

My paints speak to me

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 14:03:00 -0700

I feel like I am finally getting into the swing of things and carving out a little bit of time to start on this year's Dia de Los Muertos paintings. It's been a challenge to find time to paint, now that Tim is back home, work and also trying to go to school at night. Finding time for me and my love of painting has been a challenge. I figure like most things you love you simply HAVE to somehow carve out time to just do it. My paints are sitting out on the dining room table to remind me that I need to give them time and when I do they'll reward me with a finished painting or two. Yes my paints speak to me. Sometimes I listen. Here are a few that I worked on this weekend. This season I plan to just show from here and make them available directly from me and my Etsy shop.

a peek into my creative space

noreply@blogger.com (Maria Sanchez) — Thu, 8 Aug 2013 11:38:00 -0700