#artvsartist

My #artvsartist contribution! I think my art is a definite reflection of who I am!

warm wishes show at urban orchid

I have my very first solo show at Hingetown's Urban Orchid, from May 6th-June 2nd! Below are some photos from my opening reception!

"Monstera Leaves", 10x10, watercolor.

"Hibiscus", 14x18, watercolor & cut paper. This piece was inspired by my recent trip to Nicaragua; an unforgettable country filled with beautiful wild hibiscus. I added the cut newsprint to create an aesthetic texture & represent the stories shared with new friends along my travels.

"Palm Springs", 11x14. watercolor.

A lovebird in process shot.

Beautiful arrangement crafted by the talented Urban Orchid team, sent by a special someone to remind me of Florida! I've been feeling home sick with all of the chilly weather.

 Matching my Bohemian ensemble to my art!

Celebratory drinks next door at Jukebox!

northern nicaragua 2016

I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Northern Nicaragua this past January and participate in the Surf With Amigas surf and yoga retreat! Above is a peek at some of the essentials from my packing list. Akela Surf had just released these super cute surf shorts, featuring my artwork! It was fun to see my design come to life on swimwear, as well as have the liberty to test it out in action!

I had the pleasure of meeting new friends from all over the world, including Australia, Slovakia, Venezuela, Barcelona, Canada, and every time zone of the US! Despite our vast backgrounds, everyone united over their love of surfing. The surfers ranged from beginner to intermediate level (with former competitive coaches), so it was a great opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone! As you can see above, we had quite the quiver! I rode a thick short board and switched to a funboard once my arms turned to noodles!

Just minutes from my bed awaited this beautiful, warm, and uncrowded surf at Manzana, Chinandega.

Yours truly, going backside on a cute one!

The paddle out!

Beautiful wild hibiscus adorned the countryside. 

Going left on a bigger day!

Cattle crossing on the beach.

Hiking up Cerro Negro volcano, with the girls. Courtney leading the pack!

Adorable eco friendly cabanas at Coco Loco Resort.

A lovely historic church I passed while exploring Leon, Nicaragua.

Going frontside.

Working on my pumping.

Dropping in on a bigger day in the Bay.

Kim, myself, Emily, and Hilary riding on the "people mover" on our way to dinner.

A group shot of all of the lovely and empowering ladies I had the pleasure of sharing this experience with!

akela surf swimwear

I couldn't be more excited! I just received the first prototype bikini top from my Akela Surf Flamingo print collection! I had the pleasure of taking it for a spin on my last surf trip to Southern California! Many thanks to the awesome Akela Surf family!

Ali Kurzeja wearing the Marilyn top from her Akela Surf Flamingo collection after a surf in Cardiff.

Akela Surf Ali Kurzeja collection "Marilyn" top.

Checking out the waves at Ocean Beach.

Ali Kurzeja's Akela Surf Flamingo print

A peek from the Akela Surf catalog!

Akela Surf website artist page

Mere-Made surf shaper sporting the Society Short in my pattern collection.

floral textile painting workshop

I had the pleasure of traveling to Brooklyn, NY to take a floral painting workshop with lovely and talented artist Helen Dealtry! The class worked on experimenting with different ink painting techniques. It was fun to loosen up and paint intuitively, without laying in my pencil drawing first. My favorite piece of advice Helen offered was, "If you make a mistake just keep going! The more you try to to fix it the more attention will be drawn to it!" Below are some photos from the workshop.

Helen's beautiful ink and gouache paintings.

Helen's class demo.

Our pretty studio space with fresh flowers and mimosas!

My ink painting in process.

Close up of one of my ink paintings from the workshop.

akela surf flamingo surf wear!

Here is my final design to be featured on Akela Surf 's 2015 summer line! I also included fashion designer Annie Gange's swim wear mock up. I can't wait to surf in it! Many thanks to Annie & Servio of Akela Surf! What a great team to work with!

akela surf flamingo print

I'm debuting my new flamingo and floral pattern for Akela Surf! It will be used on their 2015 summer line of surf wear and bikinis! I couldn't be more excited! These are my first color versions, soft and vintage inspired. More to come on the next post!

Mint Color version of my Akela Surf pattern.

Turquoise color version of my pattern featuring the Akela skull and surf fin logo amongst the flowers and flamingo.

printsource nyc january 2015

I'm super excited to be showing my work at Printsource NYC tomorrow! Here's a look at my new textile collections.