Mine. /  by Evan La Ruffa

In our culture, the top of the mountain is having everything. And not just having access to the things we need, but owning or possessing our very own, “one of those.”

Guarded behind our locked doors are our things. Our printers, washers and dryers, garages, generators, ping pong tables, beer fridges, and much, much more.

After all, we work a lot to enjoy these things, so we feel justified in our consumerism. Our friend next door has his own as well, and thus the line between need and want gets ever blurry.

This slippery slope only becomes more fraught with every decision we make that is a vote for ‘mine.’

Logically, I am thinking about how we can make decisions that get us moving in the other direction.

Needing less. Wanting less. Prioritizing time spent as opposed to dollars earned.

But it’s hard, Everything in our culture says that we need to make more money next week, next month, next year. If consumer prices keep going up 35% every 4 years, we surely will.

Or maybe we are at an inflection point. Trade wars with allies while Americans keep getting taxed by the private sectors similar need - to make more money.

If this is an inflection point in how the US relates to the world economic order then we can expect the status quo to shrivel. And not in a good way.

If ‘mine’ means I don’t have time, patience, health, or joy, is it worth it?

A budget has two sides.

I think it’s time we look at truly vetting what is necessary; where we can abandon what we have come to categorize as ‘needs’ in favor of a life less reactive, hollow, and isolated.

Trust me, I wish I wanted to talk about something else.

Please don’t shoot the messenger... and if ‘mine’ really is needed, it has nothing to worry about us asking the question.

I am an artist. /  by Evan La Ruffa

Until recently I was confused.

When it comes down to it, I didn’t know what an artist was.

I got confused between what an artist makes or does and what an artist is.

The fact that we can word those two concepts differently is proof that they are different ideas.

  1. What an artist makes or does has to do with their output, its category or nature, and is/are the ways in which an artist spends their time.

  2. What an artist is, is an entirely different question, and has to do with a way of being in the world.

To be an artist you likely have to be making things (spending time doing) as well as experiencing the world with an attuned antenna that hones, dials, receives, listens, communicates, speaks, and amplifies signals received.

Signals come in different wavelengths…

Music.

Film.

Painting.

Sculpture.

Photography.

Theatre.

Dance.

Cooking.

Reading.

One thing is what we do, while the other is how we see. Luckily, what we make often influences how we see, and visa versa, which means we’re artists even when we’re idle.

Creatively seeding, visioning, and delivering on things not yet real.

And I know this to be true…

Because…

I am an artist.

Discover Oaxaca's Epic Street Art, 15 Photos At A Time - Vol. 3 /  by Evan La Ruffa

Oaxaca continues to give us so much. Including enough photos of street art to share for a while!

We had the tacos de lengua (beef tongue tacos) from the stand on our block for breakfast the other day… so good. Every few blocks or so you’ll come across a little outdoor food stall offering some delicious treat. This particular type of taco stand usually has some slow cooked meat served with consommé… a lovely broth to help wash down the taco.

Hot protein broth with some spice is something great cultures understand is part of a complete breakfast. But so is the epic street art in Oaxaca…

I’m also enjoying mezcal, connecting with local artists, and getting to know our neighbors. From the abuelito that sits next to one food stand like an idle guard, to the woman that cleans the restaurant next door and with whom I exchange a daily salutation.

Those tacos and these people are the tapestry, and they’re not too rushed to understand that… but for now, murals, stickers, stencils, and more…

Enjoy!!!

P.s. And be sure to check out Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 if you haven’t already!

Artist: @sanezcrak (Monterrey / Oaxaca)

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Prietos, @prietostaller

Artist: Prietos, @prietostaller

Artist: @tbanbox

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Erre, @erre.erre

IPaintMyMind's 13th Birthday... Yowza! /  by Evan La Ruffa

Last week on Feb 20th, IPaintMyMind turned 13 years old.

Wow.

It's crazy how time flies when you believe in and are passionate about what you do. It's amazing to think about the various eras of the organization, the ways we tested, and the things we've learned.

Starting something and getting somewhere with it is a whole thing!

I am super grateful to everyone that has been part of our journey, that has supported us and the communities we serve, because it would be nothing without you.

From individuals that hired us to provide art services for major clients despite us being the little engine that could, to the teachers that trusted us to help them, to the students that we've made art with, and the folks that have participated in and enjoyed our art events.... THANK YOU.

For me, contributing has always been about the collective. It's always been about how raising the tide lifts all boats.

I also want to thank every single one of you that is working toward something that helps, solves, builds, supports, functions, delivers, and works.

The world needs solutions, and we need to build them together.

There is no rest for the interested, dedicated, kind, and empathetic.

No hay otra... now crank those Monday morning tunes and get after it!!

Social externalities, work on the delta /  by Evan La Ruffa

If externalities in economics are the things we don’t want to factor in because they complicate the equation, then social externalities are similar…

The negative affects of what we do and how we behave that creates issues for others, while divesting from the responsibility to solve the problem we created.

While we all need boundaries and must insist on certain ways of being interpersonally, the real rub here is being conscientious and curious about what the people around us, usually our families, think we are getting wrong.

Feedback is part of it. A huge part.

If we’re not willing to listen to feedback, we’re likely externalizing a lot socially - easily & surgically removing our responsibility from the reality of how people experience us.

  1. We have to be open to feedback from the people we love

  2. We likely all admit we are not perfect… re-read #1.

  3. Upside is on the other side of feedback and the perspective it gives us.

Ask the people you’re close to how they would rate your willingness to accept feedback.

Cross reference that with the score you give yourself.

Work on the delta.

I made this art. /  by Evan La Ruffa

I made this art.

An interesting, vulnerable, exciting thing to say.

This is one of the prints I made since coming to Oaxaca. My process of photographing tiny segments of wall space on the street means I am always looking to harvest.

Harvest is how I refer to the initial process of being aware of the opportunity, taking the source photo, and teeing it up for manipulation.

The editing and adjustments come later. It's like a whole other half of the entire process. Usually when I am sitting and reflecting, I select the images that work and start to tinker.

I'm learning a new camera and figuring out how to integrate it into the art-making process I actually want to be part of.

Making art at my computer is not what I want to do. At least for now.

I like the intuitive, fireworks-life process of selecting an image and seeing what I can do with it to breathe new life into it and make it something new, that works.

This is Post All Bills No. 9,109 and I quite love it. I have released it in an open edition and kept the price low.

The original work will be produced this summer, likely on canvas, and a wooden frame.

I hope you like it.

View and Purchase: https://www.evanlaruffa.com/shop/evan-la-ruffa-9109-oaxaca-mexico

Ps. The first two images are mockups in situ, the 3rd is the final artwork, and the 4th is the source photo.


Discover Oaxaca's Epic Street Art, 15 Photos At A Time - Vol. 2 /  by Evan La Ruffa

There are many large cities whose art scenes are incredible, alive, and vibrant.

New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Mexico City, Tokyo, London, Paris, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Madrid, and various others.

I love these cities…

But they are massive. Their scale make their impact possible. Creative people combine, market forces support it, and tourists come to town to help the wheel go round. After all, you can’t sell the same art to the same people over and over again.

That said, Oaxaca should certainly make an equally elite list… however this one would be about density and culture.

Density: I have never been to a city in which there is so much art everywhere. Street art, workshops, galleries, locals, Mexican artist from other cities, international artists from other cities, etc. Around every corner there is something beautiful, authentic,, designed, delicious, colorful, or life affirming.

Culture: everything about the local culture in Oaxaca embraces beauty, art, expression, and experiences. From the walls, to the street sticker galleries, to bakeries, bookstores, textiles, tattoos, clothing and fashion, glassware, plates, vessels, sculptures, and even every single delicious little street food stall you come across.

Never have I felt that so many people around me care about the things that I do.

There is something hugely affirming, inspiring, and precious about that.

Whether the memelas you bought from the señora at the corner, the t-shirt made by a local artist, the papel picado overhead, or another dope mural, art is everywhere in Oaxaca.

So without further ado, I yield to Vol. 2 of street art in Oaxaca City that have captured my eye or caused me to pause over the last few weeks… reply to this email to let me know which one you liked the best!!

And don’t forget to check out Vol. 1 if you haven’t yet!

Oh, and a brief request… if you are enjoying anything I post or know someone who would dig the vibe of this blog offering… please share, repost with a comment, or let me know what is up in your life. Let’s share.

evanlaruffa.com/subscribe

Artists: Various Unknown… a beautiful little street sticker gallery between home and the kids’ school

Artist: Unknown

Artist: ABD (2024) … Gratitude is the memory of the heart

Artist: @XquendaRotaryClub… Give of yourself before thinking about yourself.

Artists: Manuel Escobar & Dorian Edahi … https://www.instagram.com/_manuel_escobar?igsh=b2RlNG12ZWFvZWw2

Artist: Unknown, Organizer: @100xoaxaca - https://www.instagram.com/100xoaxaca?igsh=dG0xdXhoeGpybW4z

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Unknown… I love a good stencil

Artist: Oaxaca!!!

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Samael Aguero with a side of Art Is A Human Right by @ipaintmymind / @evanlaruffa

Why this American moved to Mexico ....... /  by Evan La Ruffa

As I think about the reasons why we decided to try out life in Mexico, it all comes down to quality of life.

Economists have long-since attempted to separate externalities from the economic policies that create them.

If the gas company puts toxic waste in our water, that is an externality of the process of making money in the capitalist system. It doesn’t count - not the cost, no the negative affect it has on the rest of us. That company passes on negative affects like disease, cancer, and literal retardation to us, the people who live on this land, and somehow don’t have to factor those costs or ramifications into their production or pricing.

Our life & death is not factored in.

GDP goes up (a notoriously bullshit unit of measure, especially when trying to indicate quality of life) and we all stomach the negative affects of other people making money.

McDonald’s poisoning our bodies, Honeywell making cluster bombs, BP spilling its oil in THE GULF OF MEXICO (not the Gulf of America, fuck off Donny)… etc etc etc etc.

Since our founding as a country, the United States has been a playground for investment of capital and the accumulation of wealth. To say it is anything more is dishonest propaganda. That is why those white guys fled other white guys that wanted to tax them - they wanted no checks & balances. They wanted to be free to harvest all the benefits and pass off all the negatives.

This is the problem with unbridled capitalism.

This is why the United States is not the best in anything other than making and using weapons of war. Wait, we are also pretty good at habitually underinvesting in infrastructure so massive corporations can make that much more money.

Tax the billionaires marginally more and reduce the warmongering, and it’s all doable. Don’t tell me about anything else - it’s all rationalizations for this fucked up status quo.

The reality, is that the United States ranks very low among other global nations in almost every single indicator that we use as barometers for quality of life.

The things the USA is unequivocally #1 in, is defense spending and children dying due to guns. We are also a good place to invest, build wealth, and start companies, but even so, we are not #1.

The reality is that the USA is ALL branding.

Since the second we popped out our mama’s bellies we were regaled with stories of our unbridled and almost god-given exceptionalism - which is most obviously brainwashing.

If China was doing the same thing, Americans would call it what it was……

You don’t wanna leave, they say! There is no better place on earth! We are the (undisputed) best! That is what propaganda is - the incessant messaging of certain falsehoods in an effort to make them seem real.

It really has everything to do with our long yet short history of being the modern capitalist extension of the European colonialism that looked to vacuum up resources form other lands to sell and leverage at home.

Period.

Check this wild shit out… I have spent over a quarter million dollars in health insurance premiums over the last 10 years. I got nothing in exchange for that… other than delaying/precluding my financial success.

I have not received quality care in any sense of the word. In fact, I have had to pay above and beyond that to find support for health issues our family has endured, and any gain has always come outside the traditional medical establishment.

The USA ranks 48th in life expectancy.

What fucking good is freedom if I am sick or dead?

When are we going to question the stories we are told about what our culture is and say enough is enough?

When will our paltry indicators in these important areas like health, education, environmental protection, and equity, finally come home to roost?

Since moving…

  1. My budget has shrunk 40%

  2. My children’s education has improved by at least 20x

  3. My digestion and stomach issues are much better because I am not eating processed food

  4. We found a doctor that is actually helping us improve our health

  5. I’ve lost 10lbs because I walk everywhere instead of sit in my car all the time

  6. I have tapped into the things I don’t actually need, that make life in the USA stressful, rushed, reactive, and unhealthy.

This CNN article explains how we spend the most on healthcare in the US yet have the worst results of any wealthy nation. Not a fan of CNN? I am happy to send you 10 other sources for the same info.

This is because in the USA, we are meat for the grinder. We are fuel for capitalism. Don’t tell me capitalism is the engine of innovation - horseshit. Does Comcast act like they have any incentive to give you better service? Of course not. They are trying to reduce costs and keep you on the chat line with someone in Bangalore while they email you fine print that says you’re fucked.

These questions are helping me figure out where myself and my family fit best…

  1. What do we actually need?

  2. What DON’T we need?

  3. Can we slow down?

  4. Is the story we are being told bullshit?

We all don’t have to move to Mexico for 5 months to start decoupling from the insanity… but my experience is certainly making the contrast all the more obvious. Maybe it’s an Amazon hiatus, a new walking routine, finding someone reliable to help with our health & wellness, or cutting out a range of processed foods from our diet…

It is harder to view things clearly from inside any bubble.

And now that I am outside it, this is hard to unsee.

I also know that if I am not shaping my life in intentional ways that I can’t expect others to.

Change certainly does start inside us…

So what about living in the USA do you want to change most??

Reply to this email with the #1 (2 or 3) things you’d change about life in the USA and I will use it as data for creating some type of offering that highlights tips & strategies for decoupling from the insanity of modern American life.

One step at a time, amigos…

Time to think big.

Notes to Self: The pendulum /  by Evan La Ruffa

Pendulum’s have a way about them.

From one side to other, swinging with all their inertia, and slamming against the other side before replicating its emphatic movement in the opposite direction.

Sometimes it feels like my emotions are a pendulum too…

It depends on the day, but I notice that whatever the last stimulus, data, or messaging is, it tends to win out in the immediate term.

Some unexpected cost, problem, or issue swings my emotional pendulum wayward.

I am working on moderating this swing.

I am working on understanding how to perhaps swing less forcefully…

I’d be interested in what you do when you feel your pendulum swing…

After all, stories are examples of solutions.

Discover Oaxaca's Epic Street Art, 15 Photos At A Time - Vol. 1 /  by Evan La Ruffa

Discover Oaxaca's Epic Street Art, 15 Photos At A Time - Vol. 1

We’ve been living in Oaxaca City for 3 weeks or so and I have taken 178 photos of various instances of great street art. Oaxaca, Mexico, is renowned for its vibrant street art scene (not a coincidence that we are here), where colorful murals, wheat paste of prints, stickers, and classic graffiti narrate stories of the region's rich cultural heritage.

This city, often hailed as the best city for art in Latin America (various others who know more than I do, said this to me), offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary art forms, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves visual stimuli. You don’t have to be an art aficionado to appreciate that there is beauty around every corner in Oaxaca.

Subscribe to my newsletter to make sure you see the rest of the series on Oaxacan street art!

The Origins and Evolution of Street Art in Oaxaca

Oaxaca has always had an artistic personality, where artisans make textiles, pottery, and more with their hands. The artistic bent of the place means it should be no surprise that street art has emerged as a predominant art form, incorporating various techniques, mediums, and styles to come together with the already beautifully colored buildings to exude awe.

Street art in Oaxaca has deep roots that trace back to the Mexican muralism movement, which emerged post-Mexican Revolution. This period marked a significant cultural renaissance, with artists using public spaces as canvases to depict social and political themes. Over the years, Oaxaca's street art has evolved, incorporating modern techniques and styles while maintaining its core essence of cultural storytelling, and incorporating screen printing which is then wheat pasted by stealthy artist under the cover of night.

In 30 seconds they can put paper on the wall and paint on some gooey wheat paste to make it official. Often times, these will not only be art, but also be advertisements for creative businesses like tattooers. I found the tattooers I have worked with thus far via their wheat pasted street art posters.

Key Locations for Street Art in Oaxaca

One of the best places to experience Oaxaca's street art is the historic district of Jalatlaco (the neighborhood we’re currently living in - also not a coincidence), known for its vibrant murals that reflect local traditions and folklore. The neighborhood's colorful facades serve as a backdrop for artistic expression, transforming every corner into a visual journey. Another notable area is the bustling Calle Alcalá as well as Aldama, where visitors can find an array of street art lining cobblestone streets.

Influential Artists and Their Contributions

Oaxaca is home to many talented street artists who have significantly contributed to its vibrant art scene. Artists like Samael Aguero and the collective Subterraneos have gained recognition for their impactful works that address social issues and celebrate indigenous cultures. Their art not only beautifies the city but also sparks dialogue and reflection among locals and visitors alike.

The Cultural Impact of Street Art in Oaxaca

Street art in Oaxaca serves as a powerful medium for cultural exchange and community engagement. It reflects the city's diverse heritage and fosters a sense of pride and identity among its residents. Moreover, it attracts tourists from around the world, contributing to the local economy and promoting Oaxaca as a leading art destination in Mexico.

That said, let’s get to the god stuff…. enjoy 15 instances of street art in Oaxaca City, and I’ll steady Vol. 2.

Artist: Samael Aguero

Artists: La Santisima Galeria, Gofe, Alexis Villafan

Artists: Subterraneos

Artist: Unknown

Artist: CKOR (?)

Artist: Max Longo (tattooer, promo poster)

Artist: BH

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Unknown

Artist: Unknown

Art is a feeling /  by Evan La Ruffa

Despite the ways in which the art world, and thus the rest of us tend to intellectualize art…

It is entirely about the feeling we get from interacting with it.

Learning about the artist’s process, pedigree, presence, approach, or philosophy will certainly add to our impression of the work.

Some artists’ process is incredible to witness, others give great interviews, and others still simply move us through the work.

We have enough information now to understand color, mood, brand id, look books and finish catalogues…

As long as we trust our gut, the work that needs to speak to us, will.

At the end of the day, either the art we’re witnessing creates a feeling inside us, or it doesn’t.

In either case, right on.

We’re looking for resonance, not a seat at the cool-kids table.

Like the art that moves you.

It’s pretty simple.

✌🏼

Art is a way of life /  by Evan La Ruffa

Art is way of life... a lens for viewing the world.

We sometimes get tripped up in the result when the process, enjoying it, and learning something that will serve the next piece of art you make, is really what it's all about.

Noticing the light hitting the facade of a building in just the right way…

Layers of paint peeking out from one another in a multicolor tapestry from years of new coats…

A sticker high on a light pole with some hand-drawn art…

Listening to music while we think about what we want to make next…

Asking others what they are noticing…

It’s all about reading between the lines, connecting dots, and emoting.

Art is a teacher /  by Evan La Ruffa

Art is a teacher.

It brings us to the table to figure out what we can make. What we take to, what our limitations are, and what we have fun bringing to life.

I've thought about other methods of making this work, and am actually learning a new camera that should be a lot of fun.

But I also realize I don't want to belabor the process. I don't like tedium. I don't prefer an exacting, careful approach to art.

I like always looking for great shots I can turn into art.

I like being aware of my surroundings in an intimate way.

I like finding nooks and crannies.

I like taking photos in which all the elements of photography come into place and give me a great base to work with.

I like intuitively pushing toward a new piece of art without thinking about it too much.

I like letting my eyes and my emotions tell me what is good.

Here are 6 new works of art I have made since we arrived in Oaxaca on January 9th. I have included the print mockups as well as mockups of them in fun spaces - view them via my shop link at the bottom of this email.

These are available in an open, unsigned edition .... and are just $275 ea.

They will be printed on a thick aquarelle paper and will be produced by my trusted friends at Static Medium & Photo in Los Angeles.

Support me and an awesome LA-business with one purchase.

https://www.evanlaruffa.com/shop

Twice a day /  by Evan La Ruffa

In Oaxaca there are two supremely energetic, bright, colorful, and magical points in every day: just after sunrise and at golden hour in the evening.

The angle of the light blesses each colorful facade in a way that makes it glow with golden potential.

A visual bell-ringing for those with a twinkle in their eye…..

2024 Recap, Looking Ahead at 2025 /  by Evan La Ruffa

2024 was fun, different, tumultuous, exciting, new, familiar, and forward thinking.

I think if I had to encapsulate it, the vibe would be CHANGE.

We’re moving to Oaxaca for 5 months today, so the feels most pressing. But this was a year for growth.

In my work, in my art, in my marriage, and as a human being who is uncovering himself bit by bit.

This year, there was more nuance to my experience, and for someone who feels deeply and is in his head a lot, 2024 felt like a bit much, lol. A lot of self-reflection, a lot of work, more time idle than frantic, and a few struggles and major takeaways that I have noted.

In 2024, I was able to…

  • place my original art in 3 shows

  • Make hundreds of pieces of original art

  • Doubt myself more than ever

  • make art with a few hundred kids over various events

  • print 300 t-shirts in 3 hrs with a bunch of folks at The Prudential Building

  • work with a few artists on managing their projects

  • Fly to Atlanta for a day to see the GIANTS and Greg Mike shows, I also got to stroll the The Beltline in Atlanta earlier in the spring

  • Fail as a father at least once every day

  • Succeed as a father at least once every day

  • Donate art supplies to over 120 special needs students in Los Angeles

  • Challenge my self-perception in ways that was hard, but which I think will allow me to continue doing things I love that might feel risky, but which show me I am on the right track

  • Discover shooting photos at night for my artwork

  • Attend Frieze Art Fair at the Santa Monica Airport

  • Envision and Implement a 2-yr plan for IPaintMyMind that achieves scale through nationwide impact, something I never thought we’d be able to do

  • Begin couples therapy and find yet another amazing level of my relationship with Lindsey… though hard work, vulnerability, and consistency

  • Cry from sheer overload of inspiration and beauty various times, mostly when listening to music, predominantly the track Moon and Sunlight by Tobe Nwigwe

  • Do a bunch of therapy on my own

  • Stub my toe way too many times

  • Have tough, honest, as well as new and cathartic conversations with friends I love

  • Get back to meditating regularly which always makes me feel better, which annoys me, because I fall off the wagon and know meditation grounds me and makes me better, so I truly hope to stop falling off this important wagon

  • Learn ChatGPT, Sintra and a few other ai tools that will serve me very well

  • Buy a new camera to rock in Oaxaca in 2025

  • Set a few boundaries with my phone & social media to support my mental health

  • Hit King Spa more than usual

  • Hang with dear friends in St. Louis a handful of times

  • Let people help me

  • Have a massive realization about my emotional landscape and the stories I tell myself

  • Enjoy various trips to LA to watch my beloved LAFC (with Enzo) and buddies!

  • Further my understanding of my anxiety, how it shows up, and how I can do myself favors in keeping it at bay, or managing it better

  • Get a tattoo commemorating my favorite cheeseburger spot with my brother (in law) and bestie, Mark Glower

  • Learn a lot about real estate investing, might have to make a move!

  • Visit Northern Wisconsin with family

  • Acknowledge some of my real ones that I benefit so much from having them in my life

  • Work with 3 of my favorite artists on a massive 5 mural project at Sabin Elementary School for IPaintMyMind

  • Visit family and stay on the beach in Florida

  • Watch Enzo fully experience the cycle of failure, picking himself back up, giving his all, and feeling great about it - he made a mistake costing his team a goal in an important game, was distraught, then got back out there and led the team to victory. I was so proud of his resilience. The result was nice too, lol.

  • See Jean Baptiste live at The Salt Shed

  • Install work for a dear friend and client in their new offices in The Old Post Office building

  • Drink 71 Espresso Tonics and 800+ pour overs … that is a ballpark estimate

  • Hang one on with Mike Han

  • Donate over $100k worth of art to CPS schools via IPaintMyMind

  • Add various fitted New Era 5950 caps to my extensive (obsessive) collection

  • Give a grant to Rapbrary via IPMM, a nonprofit library and literary project founded by my buddy, Roy Kinsey, to buy banned books and initial capital to build the project up

  • Eat at an amazing Southside greasy spoon with Brian Flannery

  • Host IPMMs 1st teacher event in Los Angeles to kick off the 2024/25 school year

  • Go to Allegan, MI w the boys and family friends

  • Ask my kids if they have feedback for me as a parent… careful, this is pandora’s box, I am not sure I want all their feedback lol

  • Rekindle a bromance with my guy Loren Nunley and reconnect with some old friends

  • Get Lindsey and I’s saving and investing plan together

  • Manage and execute a massive custom mural project by Lisa Quine for PepsiCo in Dallas, TX

  • Visit Oaxaca to scout our trip and spend 3 days in Mexico City (one of my favorite places in the world)

  • Visit New York Bagel & Bialy what feels like at least a dozen times for my NY Breakfast, sausage egg and cheese with extra cheese, mish mosh bagel

  • Get new glasses because apparently my eyes aren’t working as well as they used to

  • Think a lot about what I want to do with the rest of my life

Apparently, a lot got done, in fact.

But I happen to be less concerned with that going forward than enjoying my time on this earth and providing for my family…..

I think when many of us look back, we’ll realize that a lot of little things added up.

They tend to.

Regardless of where we are on the calendar.

I also am clear that CHANGE is not to be avoided, but embraced… even when we are made uncomfortable by it.

Stay tuned for art updates (I look forward to making a lot in Mexico) as well as taking many art workshops in various mediums, and I’ll be sure to provide a Note to Self here and there, and who knows what else!?!?!?!

I appreciate you for reading this far.

I am excited about the future.

And I hope you are too.

I would love to hear what themes, challenges, ideas, or new paths forward you discovered in 2024, as wells what headspace you’re in as 2025 launches…………..

Be in touch……..

-Ev

EvanLaRuffa.com