Hi! I'm a working artist based in Los Angeles. I've weathered a number of financially precarious situations in the past year and am at a point where leaning on my community and community at large is necessary.

I've accepted a huge opportunity to complete a residency at PADA in Barreiro, Portugal for the upcoming month of September. It's something I've dreamed of doing for a long time and have spent countless hours writing (and getting denied) grant applications, finding extra work, etc. but unfortunately am digging deep into my personal bank account to fund this work experience. I work in a precarious industry where it's feast or famine and work has been exceptionally slow this summer, resulting in the lowest bank account number I have experienced as an adult. I am seeking donors and support to fund a portion of this work residency so that I can complete the project I pitched to its fullest extent and participate in the residency without going into the negative.

It humbles me to write this, as I know there are countless GoFundMes that are funding basic needs and very real circumstances. If I raise the amount that I'm seeking, I will donate 15% percent to an organization based in Los Angeles (CHIRLA), as well as an account that funds an issue close to hand, directly paying an anonymous friend whose life has been recently shattered by deportation. So, to sum this up, I'm asking for funds for myself and then to pay it forward. What these proposed funds will specifically cover:

1) Materials for solar oven exhibition.

2) R&D for recipes to cook over solar ovens for the opening reception.

3) Expenses to cover cost of living (the residency provides no additional support while residents presumably take time away from work)

4) Expenses to pay for fabrication support, documentation and printed materials.

5) 15% of total funds collected will be disbursed to CHIRLA and an anonymous friend in need.

If funds are raised, this will allow for the full focus and time away from worrying about my next paycheck to fund this investment into my art practice. I understand the massive privilege in being able to participate in something like this and can only remark on how much support is needed to be able to take time away from work in this way.

I'm offering gifts as thank you's in the form of my work (again, the best I can offer right now in this time of financial hardship!) and am so grateful for any amount of support, it all adds up. If you donate, I'll reach out to you later on to coordinate gift drop-off.

Thank you so much for viewing this fundraiser and so grateful for your support!