The potential we carry: Part 2
Originally published on The JOLT News on July 31st, 2025
In part one of this week’s column, we heard about how the potential we carry can translate into something beautiful and fun on stage.
In Part Two, I look forward to discussing how our artistic light bulb can turn on through a more intimate lens: an artist’s paintbrush.
My typical “paint brush" is my typewriter, and it sparks so much love and joy in my life, but I was surprised to find that I did not do so badly with a real paint brush either when given the opportunity.
Here you will find a review of my watercolor painting retreat with Karen Abel-Dickinson from RayTen Creative Designs, and my conversation with local artist Alexis (Lexi) Belmudes.
RayTen
My mama and I participated in a watercolor retreat, aka private watercolor class from my home, and absolutely loved our experience. Through Abel-Dickinson’s patient, thoughtful, and relaxed teaching methods, another aspect of our artistic potential was brought to light.
Our retreat started with learning a few tricks and techniques to create different effects using our paints and water. My inner child emerged witnessing what truly felt magical as water and paint hit the paper in various ways.
Later on, we were given some ideas of flowers we could paint ourselves, yet make our own. My mama and I got to experience a lot of freedom with as much or as little guidance as we wanted. I really appreciated Abel-Dickinson’s flexibility, humble and kind attitude, and her insight.
The whole painting experience was very relaxing and refreshing, and I am genuinely still in shock that I can actually watercolor paint now. It’s amazing with potential that exists inside us that is unmet until someone or something taps into it.
To learn more, visit RayTen Creative Design’s Facebook Page. You can also email raytencreativedesign@gmail.com or call (360) 790-8962.
Conversation with Lexi Belmudes
Having been a friend of Belmudes since my middle school years, I have loved watching her grow into the artist and jack-of-all-trades she is today.
Belmudes is a curator and content moderator for a 3D printing website designed for kids, does colored pencil, watercolor, clay, acrylic paints, digital art, knitting, sewing and costume creation, and creating her own 3D models for 3D printing.
Belmudes has won many contests for her art and continues to enjoy the online art community today. Having a graphic design degree, Belmudes has also been involved in logo creation and even has artistic credits on a videogame.
Throughout the month of July, Belmudes participated in an annual online free art-giving game called “art fight.”
Though there are competitive elements to this competition, there is also collaboration and community built.
“I love being able to give back to other artists and use my gifts to make other people smile.” Belmudes said.
“I enjoy reading the comments that people have written in the comments section thanking me for the pieces I have drawn for them. People have said things like ‘This totally made my day’ or ‘I can’t stop smiling,’ and that fills my heart and gives me a great sense of purpose.”
Recently, Belmudes had another encounter with the frustrating and awful elements of the online world. We hear a lot about artificial intelligence (AI), but not as much about the 3D print farms that steal 3D print files on commonly used websites like thingiverse (where Belmudes shares her designs for free), and sell the product printed from that file.
AI or a poorly executed photoshop job removed Belmudes’ studio logo, and did not give artistic attribution or any portion of sales to Belmudes. This whole thing broke the rules associated with non-commercial licensing.
In this case, Belmudes was able to get the company to remove her designs, and they apologized for “not knowing” this happened, but there are a lot of mysteries that still exist. Did the 3D print farm not know because they do use AI to assist their work, or did the deliberately break the rules and not own it?
Regardless, the online arts community is fertile with opportunity to make a positive difference both on a macro and micro level. Equally so, the online arts community can cultivate inner artists and reach a wider audience because of the nature online.
These spaces are sacred in their own right, and we must continue to do whatever we can to fight against those bringing harm to this sector of the arts community.
Belmudes uses the name “Paint Splotch” online. To dive into her world of artwork, click here. Her Etsy shop can be found here. Her free 3D prints both here and here.
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/intheaudience-the-potential-we-carry-part-2,25906