Newsletter #014 - An artist's journey to a new life...

It's been about ten months since the last time I wrote an update here. A ride of fast paced madness and crazy twists and turns that have landed me on the other side of the globe indefinitely. And surely I owe you all an explanation, and oh do I have one. Ten videos worth of explanation spanning two years of things that happened and decisions made to get to this point. But in reality this is a dream that has been in the back of my mind since childhood. And I think you know by now that every dream I ever have, eventually becomes a plan, a plot to make it real. Hopefully these little snippets can shed some light into the train of thoughts that led me here.

An artist's journey to a new life...

What started over a decade ago as journeys of self discovery with one of my greatest friends, became an international trip for recovery, or maybe an endeavor for truth seeking, who really knows? Anyways, about two years ago, my bro-from-another and I took a road trip from east to west… I’ll spare you the details, but long story short, we both found our north and it became determination. The snow storms, the perils, the many stops, the beers and smoke clouds, it was all the kind of "scarring" that anyone would wish for, but only after the fact. During this trip, some lost "things" were recovered. Things like that subtle trust in the process, the sweet taste of freedom, the great joy of friendship, the eager early awakenings and that hope for tomorrow which is always so slippery. Thanks to that, permission to go crazy was granted, and theMadness that had been stagnant since the day I broke my neck was brought back. This led to a plethora of magic moments that still ripple through the ether...

A year after the road trip, a lot happened. And thanks to the blood, sweat and tears shedded, an opportunity to go to Japan fell on my lap. This was not just an artistic residency… it was a rebirth for my creative soul. I met wonderful people, saw incredible places and conquered many hearts, including mine, all thanks to the work done and presented. Then the question came to me: “Well, should I?” So I began the research and boiling the tea waters, because things were about to get messy…

The year was 2025. It started heavy. Another trip to California as a pit stop while I reached the goal of turning dreams into plans, that later would become action. A series of road trips and hikes into the beauty that many in this world choose to ignore: Nature. A trip to ground myself back into reality after many months of intense research and activities to give life back to my madness. But in truth, there was more dreaming than grounding. The fact is that we can plan all we want, but at the end we do what we can with what we have, in order to create the life we want. The good thing is that we are creating…

Mid march I was landing back in Japan… in search for a future that needed building. There was a plan, but there was also the universe playing with heavy cards. Was my game really strong enough? I visited many places, met many people, had all sorts of experiences... some very confusing, others filled my heart and soul with joy and determination. The game had begun and in searching, a table was found where I could sit and play my cards. The results? I found a spot I could turn into a home. Many people asked me how, many wondered why, and the truth is that the answers were and yet also weren’t all that obvious. But let's have the actions speak for themselves. The second half of this trip would soon begin, but for now, shall we enjoy the experience gained? Here is where and this is when dreams stop being dreams... when Life happens…

A reward after a successful campaign. That’s how it felt to return to California from Japan. I was celebrating the best way I could, in the mud. A treasure I was eager for. My boots were hungry and the ground was fertile. Nothing can stop me now. Many hikes, lots of snow, wondrous night skies, beautiful people… Such marvels are reserved for those willing to really seek them out. A blessing I am grateful for. The real gift came in the form of memories. Moments without equal that show how joy is meant to be felt and experienced. But this was just the beginning of the reckoning. What awaited ahead was not easy, and this journey was not fiction. Nothing left but to move forward. The next step was to return to the DR and prepare for a new life on the other side of the world. A challenge I was ready for… or so I wanted to believe.

The DR, that place I called home for so many years and periods of my life... It gave me some of the greatest times and some of the most awesome friends I could ever ask for. This little island will forever be in my heart and I will hold these memories close, always. Still the need to move forward in life is a force to be respected and accepted, never feared. So to say goodbye in the only way I know how, a new trip was needed. Several locations all around the island, hugging loved ones, spending quality time with friends and enjoying the beauty that this little island provides, at least to those willing to see it. This is but a short sample of said trip, yet it holds the candor and brightness of the love that's left behind. The last road trip in DR... a place filled with wonder (because of course we are ignoring the ugly side of living in an island with horrible administration) just out there in the middle of the Caribbean waiting to be experienced. Let us focus on the greatness it provides…

A lot was accomplished in my time in the DR, and it was all very valuable and worth the... Everything! Here are some of those works done in the past couple of years, plus a few memories of greatness. Many of these hadn't even been publicly shown before, so think of it as the last cherry on a very tasty cake. I must admit that even after all that happened and all that was lost… a whole lot was gained, earned and built. Many new books published, several presentations, various international shows and exhibits, beautiful creations and so much madness. I don’t normally give myself praise, but after seeing what was compiled in this little video, I am proud for not giving up and pushing forward with my art, my goals and my life. Just considering how different things could have been, had I not been the stubborn madman I'm known to be. The next video will be from the other side of the world, straight from the land of the rising sun, where a new chapter begins as the winter approaches. My inner child is happy…

Here's a little interlude. In between moving from the DR to Japan, I was given the opportunity by the universe to take one last dip in Caribbean waters. My flights begun from Puerto Rico, allowing me to take an interesting ferry ride towards it, but also giving me the chance to hug an old friend and hang out with her family for a couple days. It was a short stop, but it was a great one.

Just a few weeks in and already so much has happened. Encounters, separations, reunions, preparations, celebrations, tears of joy, seeing this side of the world again as if for the first time, with so much to give and yet so much patience to cultivate. It surely is a lot to unpack, but unpacking is what must be done. Soon, hopefully, many things will lay their roots and fixate the stability that has been planted. The fruits are yet to come, but considering the fertility of the soil, they are sure to be sweet. Though this may be the last part of a journey that began over 2 years ago, it is also just the early stages of the new beginnings. So join me as I continue the road ahead and face the world with the only weapon I've ever yielded: theMadness.

September 27 and 28, 2025. The little town of Yamashiro Onsen, within the city of Kaga, normally a quiet and tranquil location, turned into an unforgettable street party to be witnessed, with artists and visitors from near and far raising the bar for posterity. Here's a little slideshow of the first art fair to feature my work since moving to Japan, sharing table with the Fusion International team and their class of 2025. So much to be seen and appreciated, even if the video doesn't really show it all. You'll have to trust me on this one, and maybe you'll want to be here next year to see it for yourself. So many new friends made and so much fun had, leaving no space for anything but respect and growth.

And with that I conclude the dissertation if you will. It has been great sharing these things with you all, and now there's much more to prepare and accomplish. The Journey has just begun and what's ahead may be blurry, but it sure is bright. I don't promise constant updates, nor do I know when will the Shared Madness return, but know this, Nothing can stop us now.

That is all for this newsletter, share it with your friends and family. Have a wonderful day, week, month... life! Remember to join theFamily if you haven't yet and, to continue growing the community, we also have The Madness Broadcasted on Instagram with some exclusive interactions and first-looks at the things we have cooking.

Never forget to embrace #theMadness in you!

Irie Bless!