I RATHER BE HERE

“I Rather Be Here”

Have you ever dreamed of having multiple lives—because just one might not be enough to tick off all the boxes on your endless bucket list? (99—Travel the World)

Or felt overwhelmed by how quickly time slips away? (Wait… how is it September already?!)

I often catch myself wondering, What’s next? even when the present is everything I ever wanted. I find myself dreaming of the next adventure while still living out the last one.

The first spark of inspiration for I Rather Be Here came last November, during a time when my life was chaotic but thrilling. I was anxious about moving into my new studio in April while also packing my bags for a three-month stay in Argentina. Of course, the idea brought even more anxiety (I couldn’t wait to start drawing!). But now, I’ve learned an invaluable tool for those moments when my mind is buzzing with too much noise: Feeling anxious? Go outside.

I’m incredibly lucky that my “outside” is the most beautiful and healing nature I’ve ever seen. When I’m in the woods, I don’t want to be anywhere else but there.

I Rather Be Here is the collection closest to my heart because it holds so much meaning. It’s special because my creative process was completely different this time—it started from a feeling. I’m also using a new medium I have very little experience with. (What if it’s not perfect?! You’re learning, just be here.) And—COLOR?! It’s special because it’s the first collection where I truly feel like an artist—not just one in the making. Because my emotions are poured into these creations, and now they’re hanging in your hallway (AAAH, WHAT?!!).

This collection has taught me that there’s nothing more precious than now. Today. Right here. Ahora. The good, the bad—all of it has brought me to this moment, and for that, I’m grateful.

I Rather Be Here is also an ode to the seasons. The changing scenery, the colors, the different rhythms of life—all of it keeps me grounded and at peace. Deep powder and monochrome days bring me peace in winter; the silence and vastness of the desert bring me peace during mud season. The warmth, the flowers, the burst of life bring me peace in summer; and the tranquility, the golden and bright days bring me peace in autumn.

The limited-edition prints are now sold out. I hand-painted each one, adjusting hues and saturation to make every single piece unique. This process was also a way to discover watercolor as a new medium. I Rather Be Here is a reminder that learning is not a linear process. Each stain or “mistake” represents the ups and downs that will help me get to where I want to be.

Only one original drawing remains:
2/4 – Desert – [You can purchase it here]

Love,
Agostina