Pia shares Her Dark Half

It’s June and I feel like I’ve aged three years since the start of 2025.

Oof...it’s been a rough one—on so many levels—personally and globally. After so much ruminating to the point of high anxiety and elevated blood pressure, I had to give myself a break (with limited exposure to the news) and start some serious (and professional) self care. And then I needed surgery on my right hand—my middle finger to be exact. How’s that for a metaphor?

Even with my middle finger now fixed and ready for action, I haven’t been able to sit down and seriously paint … all the way up to June. I managed to work on some designs for my book cover, maybe a doodle or two, but that’s about it. Surprisingly, though, my writing ramped up considerably! I don’t know what happened, but it’s like my brain flipped on a switch and decided to focus on written stories, instead of painted ones. And I haven’t stopped! Can’t stop, won’t stop, going with the flow for now!

So, I’ve decided to take a break from my public persona on social media. No more trying to get more followers, clicks, likes, shares and subscribers to my newsletter, or Patreon, or other platforms.

I’m tired. I mean, really tired of this whole social media thing.

Either people like my stuff and/or are interested, or they’re not. It’s as simple as that. I don’t need validation anymore, like I used to … not even that long ago. Maybe that’s one of the perks of the “menopausal age”.

In May, I took part in two vendor events with my Her Dark Half brand and sold more original art and prints than I ever dreamed of selling. This proved two things to me:

1) A.I. ain’t got shit on original art. People still prefer to meet the artists and their real creations.

2) My work connects with people and that’s all that matters to me as an artist. There’s my validation!

During the last few weeks, I’ve discovered how much more I get out of seeing people, peers and friends in person. It feels right to connect the “old-fashioned” way again. Joining a few writer/creative groups has changed my perspective and given me a bit of hope in humanity again. To look somebody in the eyes, to hear their natural voice—it’s been a breath of fresh air! This is where my focus will be for the unforeseeable future.

With that said, I encourage you to do the same – go out and visit your friends, meet up with your people, support local events, shows, screenings and businesses. Get out there and inhale some art! Comic-Con is right around the corner (and I’ll take part in the Art Show again, naturally), so start working up your daily people quota, lol!

I’ll still write a newsletter update every now and then to let you know about milestone events in my life, like releasing my first book and other upcoming, fun publishing news …

However, I am taking a break from Pia shares Her Dark Half.
In the meanwhile, I might run into you at an event around San Diego, who knows? Let’s catch up there!

Have a great summer!

Pia Thrasher aka Pia de los Muertos