Some news is so big it feels like the universe is playing a joke on you. You know, the kind of joke where everyone is in on it except you. That’s exactly what happened to me when, mid-January, I discovered—thanks to an art collector, of all people—that AD Spain had named my artwork Abracadabra (200×200 cm, or 79×79 inches) the #1 Christmas gift for 2024.
Yes, that AD Spain. Yes, #1. And yes, I had no idea.
Here’s how it unfolded: I was chatting with a collector about art, life, and everything in between (as you do). Mid-conversation, they casually mentioned, “It’s so amazing that AD Spain featured Abracadabra as their top gift for Christmas!” I paused, assuming I’d misheard. “Wait,” I said, blinking, “what did they say about it?”
When she explained, I honestly thought she was mistaken—or maybe just overly kind. But later, when I looked it up, there it was. Right there in black and white, Abracadabra listed as the #1 gift for Christmas 2024 in AD Spain’s prestigious holiday feature.
My first reaction? Shock. (How could I have missed this?) My second? Pure joy. (AD Spain is one of those publications you dream about as an artist.) My third? Laughter, because of course I’d discover something this monumental weeks after the fact.
The Magic of Abracadabra
For those unfamiliar, Abracadabra is one of my larger works—200×200 cm (or 79×79 inches) of bold, rhythmic energy. I created it with the intention of capturing the magic and chaos of life, the way everything overlaps, connects, and moves.
The name Abracadabra came naturally during the creative process. There’s something spellbinding about the way the colors and shapes interact, something that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s the kind of piece that invites you to look closer—to find new details, new meaning, new emotions.
When I created it, I imagined it as a conversation starter. I wanted it to transform a space, to make a statement, to live as a piece of magic in someone’s home. To have AD Spain recognize that and celebrate it as their top Christmas gift? That’s something I never could have imagined, not even in my wildest dreams.
Why I’m Sharing This Now
So, here’s the thing: Christmas has come and gone, and I realize I’m incredibly late to this party. But in my defense, December is a blur for most artists (and frankly, most humans). Between deadlines, the holidays, and everything in between, I missed this little nugget of good news until weeks later.
But timing isn’t everything, is it? Recognition like this doesn’t expire, and honestly, I think there’s something poetic about discovering this news in January. The New Year is a time of reflection, of celebrating milestones, and of finding inspiration in unexpected places.
Besides, there’s something humbling about hearing this news from a collector. It reminded me that art isn’t just about me or my process—it’s about the people who connect with it. The people who see something of themselves in the work. The people who take the time to share it, celebrate it, and (sometimes) gently remind me when I’m too busy to notice the magic that’s happening around me.
A Moment of Gratitude
I want to take this moment to thank AD Spain for this incredible honor. Having my work featured in such a prestigious publication—and named their #1 gift for Christmas—is a dream come true. It’s the kind of recognition that reminds me why I pour my heart into every brushstroke, every line, every detail.
And of course, I want to thank you—my collectors, supporters, and friends. Whether you’ve purchased my work, followed along with my journey, or simply taken the time to stop and look, you’ve played a role in moments like this. Your belief in my art is what makes all of this possible, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
Looking Ahead
So here’s to celebrating magic (even if it comes wrapped in January). Here’s to discovering joy in unexpected ways, and here’s to the collectors, curators, and friends who make this journey so meaningful.
If you’d like to see Abracadabra in all its colorful, larger-than-life glory—or explore more of my work—I’d love for you to reach out. Let’s keep the conversation going.
Here’s to a year of beauty, discovery, and finding magic in the most surprising places.