Embracing the Art of Asking: Support my artistic adventure

Asking for help can be challenging, but I’ve come to realize that we are not meant to go through life alone. We, as a social species, thrive on interdependence and community support. That’s why I’m reaching out to you today with an exciting opportunity.

Are you intrigued by my art and what I share about myself?

Would you like to support my artistic journey and help me keep creating?

Are you interested in contributing to essential healthcare for a disabled artist like me?

Do you have a little extra to spare and want to make a difference?

Become my patron on Patreon!

I’m searching for a small group of individuals who can pledge a monthly donation to support my journey and art practice in a sustainable, long-term way. If this resonates with you, keep reading to learn more! And if not, please consider sharing this with someone who might be interested in supporting my work.

Many of you have shown a strong interest in the topics I’m passionate about, from supporting marginalized artists, to advocating for social justice and ancestral healing. I’m thrilled to see that what excites you the most are my posts about community support, identity, and healing; along with the behind-the-scenes glimpses into my creation process. These are the stories and insights I’m most excited to share, but they also require a significant amount of energy to create.

As an independent QTPOC artist, word-of-mouth referrals and connections made on social media are crucial for the success of my business. However, I’ve been facing challenges with recent changes on social media platforms that have led to a decrease in engagement and visibility. Additionally, some of my posts, particularly those addressing social justice issues, have been blocked or suppressed.

Creating free content for social media has been time-consuming and costly, but I believed it was the only way to reach more people and sustain my art practice. However, I’ve come to realize that this model is flawed, especially for disabled artists like myself.

I understand that jewelry is a luxury, and I don’t want anyone to feel pressured to make purchases they can’t afford. That’s why I’ve decided to launch my Patreon account, offering an alternative way for people to support me and my craft. Patreon is a membership platform that allows artists and creators to provide exclusive content to their subscribers.

Your support will help me access essential healthcare, particularly the regular bodywork I need due to my spinal injury and chronic pain. As an artist, my creative work is my lifeline, providing me with flexibility to accommodate my body’s needs. However, not being able to predict monthly income makes covering personal and business expenses a challenge.

I want to create a more accessible way for you to support me, regardless of your interest in custom jewelry. No matter how much you are able to give, everyone will have the same access to the content, community, and space. No status, no hierarchy, just a space for us to share perspectives, ask questions, and connect.

I’m excited to invite you to join my Patreon and be part of my support network and community; I’m especially excited to share a deeper look into my research and creation process as I develop prototypes inspired by my Filipino ancestors metalwork. With this transition, I’ll be sharing less on social media, reserving exclusive content for my patrons.

I believe in transparency and flexibility, so feel free to offer what you can afford and change it whenever you need to. Your contribution will support my health, art, and overall security.

Yes, I am asking for financial help, and yes, it makes me feel vulnerable, but I’m also hopeful. Your support will make a meaningful impact on my journey, and I’m grateful for every step we take together.

Thank you for considering joining my Patreon and being a part of my artistic adventure!

Bent On Art Festival Gives Kootenay Pride a Creative Outlet

  • The festival runs from August 27th to September 2nd in Nelson, BC, and the main art exhibition will travel to Fernie, BC, from September 27th to October 14th.
  • Workshop spots are available to local LGBTQ+ community members and artists; register HERE
  • Festival includes workshops, multiple art exhibitions, a celebratory reception and a Sunday market, September 2nd, 1:30pm-5:30pm. Register to be a vendor HERE

Nelson, BC –    Kootenay Pride attendees are encouraged to get in touch with their artistic side this year with the addition of the first Bent On Art: Kootenay Queer & Trans Festival. The week-long festival will showcase art by queer and trans artists and craftspeople in the Kootenay region, and includes sliding-scale workshops for both LGBTQ+ artists and community members, two art exhibitions at Kootenay Studio Arts, Selkirk College, with a reception featuring local performers, and a Sunday market in Hall Street Plaza on the afternoon of the Pride Parade along Baker Street. The festival runs in Nelson, BC, from August 27th to September 2nd, and the exhibition featuring local LGBTQ+ artists will travel to Fernie, where it will be on display at the Fernie Museum from September 27th to October 14th.

To view the full press release click HERE.

To view the event poster click HERE.

To get up-to-date festival information visit our website HERE.

Follow Bent On Art on Instagram or Facebook!

How Art Helped Me Heal

To read the full article click here.

“There are moments in our lives where an event happens, and afterward nothing is the same. People can almost categorize their lives into snapshots of “before” and “after.” Often these are happy events, like the birth of a child, but they can also be painful, like a traumatic accident. In my case it was the latter. On February 26, 2010, I was hit by an SUV as a pedestrian in Vancouver. That moment completely changed the trajectory of my life.”

Editorial by Samonte Cruz, published in ARTiculate magazine Spring/Summer issue 2018. To view the full Spring/Summer 2018 issue of ARTiculate Magazine click here.

Kootenay Queer and Trans Art Show 2018 Call for Submissions

What: A juried group exhibition featuring local LGBTQ+ Artists
When: Kootenay Pride Week, August 27th-September 3rd 2018
Where: Nelson, BC
Application Deadline EXTENSION: Friday, June 15th at 5pm, PST

About: A group of local artists are coming together to organize an art exhibition that will coincide with Kootenay Pride Festivities in 2018. We are seeking submissions from LGBTQ+ artists of all art & craft disciplines for a selected group exhibition. We see this first show as a starting point and as an opportunity to highlight the work of queer and trans/gender non-conforming artists living in the Kootenays. It our hope that it can grow into an annual arts festival showcasing local LGBTQ+ artists, and featuring community arts workshops, artist talks, live performances, and an arts & crafts market.

Click here to view the call for submissions and details on how to apply.

Fill out the online artist application here.

Want to support this event? Apply to volunteer here!