Wow! When 2023 rolled in, I aimed to commit more to my projects and expand my comfort zone, and either travel once a month or do one big thing for myself and my work (like taking a class, reading a book…). So far, I’ve been rocking it and I am so proud!

I rarely take the time to reflect on my accomplishments, and I have decided it would be a good exercise to do this every once in a while. Especially since I always feel like I am not doing anything!

Some July 2023 highlights include:

Spent a day at the Carson Animal Care Center to photograph life at an open intake shelter

The Carson Animal Care Center is one of Los Angeles’ 4 county shelters. It is an open-intake shelter (meaning they cannot turn people away and often run out of space). I’ve always wanted to see what the staff faced in such environment. They are often caught between government red tape, limited resources and possibilities on one end, and public’s wrath on the other. I am hoping to continue witnessing their work.

Spent a week in Navajo Nation

I traveled to Navajo Nation to witness and support the work of dog rescues and organizations. It was an intense week. I still have to put in writing all my detailed thoughts, but if you are a Patreon supporter, check the recap I posted there.

If you would like to support this kind of work, Patreon is a great way to do so. A trip like Navajo Nation costs me about $2,500.

Hosted a successful fundraiser!

Iosted a fundraiser and raised almost $17,000 for Navajo rescues.

The funds were distributed among 5 nonprofits and people who are doing incredible, lifesaving work on the reservation and who were gracious to spend some time with me during my visit.

Worked on a social media campaign for Clear The Shelters

Worked on a campaign with Hill’s Pet Nutrition for Clear the Shelters, to inspire everyone to volunteer photography. Check this sweet reel we made, to show people how to use their phones to take photos of shelter pets.

Clear the Shelters is a nationwide, massive adoption event. They are about to celebrate their 1 millionth pet adopted through the campaign! But they also realize that shelters are facing a huge crisis right now. We need more volunteers + photography makes a big difference in getting pets adopted, so we teamed up to encourage more volunteers to help with that.

Photographed 10 shelter dogs in need of a big boost

Los Angeles shelters are euthanizing at a scary rate right now, for lack of space. Dogs who do not get any adoption inquiry within a few weeks or months, are placed on the list… I photographed 10 shelter dogs who really needed a boost Carson Animal Care Center.

Was invited to a panel discussion

Took part in a panel to share my experience taking the REDI (Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) course with CARE for Equity and the Maddy’s Fund.

You can watch the conversation here.

One of my art pieces was selected for an online exhibit!

This might not sound big, but it really is for me! I always feel like institutions are not interested in my work. So when Not Real Art reached out about including my Augmented Reality piece into their Art and Tech exhibit, I almost fell off my chair!

This piece is called The Invisible Dog. When visitors scanned the room, the chained dog appeared on their screen. This is a dog I met years back in Texas. He was chained by a warehouse, which is not illegal.

I expanded my boundaries, tried new things and continued learning

Got myself in front of the camera more than I ever had before / was vulnerable.

Took a block printing class. Sometimes you just need someone to show you the tools and basics, to open up a whole new world of possibilities! I took a simple 2h workshop, and I have been having a blast carving and printing little portraits since.

Attended an exhibit/event about AI art and got some creative juices flowing

Increased my reading to tackle some of the many books I am psyched about, covering things like Dogs in mythology and accompanying pets and owners in time of grief/loss.

Reached out and connected with several people/experts who inspire me so much.

Attended a Puppy Songs live concert at the Annenberg PetSpace.

And beyond all this, I have been working a lot on pushing toward new projects including an exploration of free-ranging dogs, and the impact of shelter life for both animals and the people who care for them. And working towards 2 new books, my 2024 calendar, and more…!

🌝 I’ve also managed to keep my mental health in check (minus a big meltdown after Navajo and shelter visits but that’s normal) AND to be present for people in my life who needed it. It’s been quite the month. 🌜🌛

July in review