This past Friday night the mansion hosted a garden party themed around art and bitcoin. A pairing I never expected to encounter side by side, yet here in Mérida it made perfect sense. It was my first event since arriving, and what unfolded was an evening filled with meaningful conversations, new friendships, and more synchronicity than I could have imagined.
I finally met Delmarie, the gallery owner of Flux Labs in Mexico City. I also connected with Daniela, the previous resident artist here at the mansion. Both were warm, generous and open. The kind of women you meet and instantly feel at ease with. They offered helpful advice about the local art scene and asked if I had swam in the cenote yet. At first I thought they meant the one on the property, but they laughed gently and clarified they meant the many cenotes here in the region. When I told them I had only peeked at the one on the property, they encouraged me to explore others instead. So, I will take their advice. The list is growing and I look forward to diving in, literally.
I shared with them my first finished painting created during this residency, and their reaction meant a lot. They were surprised it was watercolor, impressed by the technique and excited to see more pieces in the series. These moments remind me why I am here. To create, to grow and to connect through art.
During the evening I also met Angélica, the woman who organized and produced the event. She was vivacious, full of light and heart, and spoke with passionate energy that instantly drew me in. It felt like we became friends within minutes. Throughout the night I was referred to as the artist, often greeted with "Oh, you are the artist!" Angélica was the same. She immediately asked to see my work. When I showed her the painting, she let out a squeal of delight. She understood the symbolism and the intentions behind it without hesitation, and expressed that she wanted one of my pieces. Her enthusiasm touched me deeply and gave me an extra spark of motivation moving forward.
Later, I was introduced to Pablo and Justo, childhood friends of Juan Pablo, the owner of Mansión Brocca. Both charming and supportive, they had come to learn more about bitcoin and to celebrate their friend's vision. The party itself unfolded in the garden, which is currently being cultivated. The space feels like it is growing into something beautiful. Bar tables were scattered throughout the grounds. A bar area and food table were set up outside. A team of women spent the entire day cooking, laughing together in the kitchen. Their granddaughter sat near them coloring quietly, absorbed in her own world. It was such a warm scene to witness. Food made with love always tastes better.
Among the guests I also met Steven, an Irishman living in Mexico City who works with the Peace Mandala Project. Later I learned that Juan Pablo is the Vice President of the organization. The synchronicity surprised me, especially because the name Mandala mirrors my own, and their global work aligns closely with the themes in my art. Steven encouraged me to share my work with them in the future, and that possibility fills me with excitement.
As the music grew louder and more guests arrived, I spent time speaking with three entrepreneurs who had just come from the bitcoin conference in Mérida. They are developing an app to integrate bitcoin into ATMs, a glimpse into the future of finance. What stood out the most, however, was the ease of communication despite language differences. I speak Spanish while they speak English, and we switched back and forth naturally. One sentence in Spanish, the next in English. Here in Mexico, people appreciate the effort. They smile, help, and meet me halfway. It is a beautiful exchange where both people grow. In contrast, I often think about how in the United States there can be impatience around language barriers. Here, it feels different. Knowing or even attempting to learn more than one language feels like a bridge. A gesture of empathy, curiosity and intelligence.
This night reminded me why I am here. For exchange, growth and the unexpected intersections that appear like brushstrokes layered across a canvas. Art and bitcoin. Past and future. Language and understanding. All woven together in one evening under the Mérida sky.
Before I close, I would love to share the first painting I completed here at Mansión Brocca. It carries the energy of this place and the people who have already touched my experience. You can view it by joining my mailing list. Subscribers receive early access to new artwork, behind the scenes insights into my process and future updates from this residency.
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