Abundance: Noticing What’s Already There

Abundancia 8x10 mixed-media on paper

What comes to mind when you think of abundance? Maybe it’s a great amount, exuberance, wealth, or affluence. Maybe it’s piles and heaps, boatloads, or even oceans of something good. Is it about things?

To me, abundance is about embracing our gifts. I’ve seen it appear in so many ways—in material ways, in knowledge, in opportunities, in love, and in the unseen blessings that shape our lives. My painting Abundancia (Abundance), part of my Tradición collection, captures this idea through a young woman holding a big, full bouquet of flowers. Two flowers are fully rendered, while the others are just sketches—kind of like how some parts of life feel clear and defined, while others are still taking shape.

Why is it sometimes hard to see what’s in front of us?

At its heart, this painting is about choice and perspective. We don’t always see everything we have, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Sometimes, we focus on what’s obvious, the fully bloomed flowers—while the ones still in progress fade into the background. But that doesn’t make them any less real or valuable.

This painting is a reminder to pay attention. We’re constantly surrounded by so much, even if we don’t always notice it. Some things are clear, some are waiting to be discovered, and some are gifts we might not have chosen but that shape us in unexpected ways.

Could abundance be a connection through time?

Abundance isn’t just about what we personally gather—it stretches across time. The privileges, traditions, and opportunities we inherit are gifts passed down, just as we leave things behind for the next generation. We may not always recognize it, but we’re part of something bigger, shaped by what came before and shaping what comes next.

Abundancia is an invitation to reflect on what abundance looks like in your life. What are the flowers in your bouquet? Which ones are in full bloom, and which are still waiting to be noticed? And can you find beauty even in what’s still unfolding?

This painting is a reminder to embrace life’s offerings—both seen and unseen—with gratitude, curiosity, and open arms.

What Does Abundance Mean to You?