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 my next adventure while still living out the last one. Let me tell you… it’s pretty exhausting.

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 packing my bags for a three-month stay in Argentina. Of course, this idea brought with it even more anxiety (I couldn’t wait to start drawing!). But now, after a lot of therapy, 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 closest to my heart because it holds so much meaning. It’s special because my creative process was completely different this time. Because it started from a feeling. It’s special because, I am using a new medium that I have very little experience with. (What if it’s not perfect?! You’re learning, just be here.) And I am using 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, and the burst of life bring me peace in summer; and the tranquility, the golden and bright days of fall bring me peace in autumn.

In June, I launched 50 limited edition prints of each piece, and they are now 75% sold. (Correction, -summer 3/4- it is officially SOLD OUT) I hand-paint each one of them, adjusting hues and saturation, making every print unique. This process has also been a practice in discovering watercolor as a new medium. “I rather be here” is also a reminding that learning is a not a linear process. Each stain or “mistake”, ups and downs, it is what will make me arrive where I want to be.

Two of the four original pieces sold before I even had a chance to take pictures of them. A sign I am going the right way.

And while this collection it’s at the verge of selling out… I am finally done with this “essay”.

I am running on my own time, and that, is, okay.

Love, Agostina