Welcome back,
here’s an extra bonus November newsletter.
This last Saturday, I took an experimental riso photography class over at nova community arts. We were asked to bring some pre-prepped materials to work with, so I decided to use the collage that I made for my grandfather’s service.
I made that original collage in a style that I knew his wife would like. She loved it, and I don’t mind it either, but it doesn’t really remind me of him. Or of us. So I wanted to use this workshop as an opportunity to rework this into something just for me. While he was here my grandpa worked hard to become the Dad I needed. Even now as an ancestor I know he will find a way to continue to be my biggest cheerleader. My grandpa was, will always be, one of my best friends.
To my grandpa, Costco was the sixth love language. Like many Asian parents, he very rarely said the actual words “I love you.” Instead, he said, “Do you need paper towels?” I love you was an afternoon trip to Costco looking for a bargain on practical home supplies. Riso is fantastic for layering and depth, hence the Costco logos tucked away in the back.
We texted all day every day, so naturally, I included some of my favorite text messages. I kept the ginkgo leaves as a nod to his Grandfather from Fukushima. I added some photos of him as a baby, his parents, his daughter (my mother), and me (baby me top left corner). For a finishing touch, “إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون” or “We belong to Allah and Him we shall return.” All of these things remind me that our lives are expansive and radial not finite and linear.
Lately, this is my favorite kind of art to do. Quick and dirty. Started and finished in 90 minutes. No pressure, not precious. I get to learn something new. I’ve noticed when I’m more focused on being present with the process than concerned with the outcome I end up making space for what is feeling true to me. It helps me spend time with myself, my thoughts, and in this case, my grandpa. Also, I love that if I didn’t choose to show this project to you, you’d probably never see it. It’s just for me.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been stressing myself out with a lot of big unnecessary questions about money, art, the future, and deservedness. But smaller projects like this quiet that noise for a little while and remind me that it actually does feel good to just be where I’m at for now.
Here are some things that are helping me figure my shit out this week.
substack #7
If you want to support my art upgrade to a paid subscription, only 72 more subscribers until my art studio is fully funded!
* ~ quick links ~*
One Million Experiments expands our ideas about what keeps us safe and honestly, gives me hope. *shout out to Sharmin for sharing this with me*
The Artist’s Office lets you sign up to receive a monthly list of artist grants
Adaptive Meals is a glimpse into a world where low spoons meals and more accessible cooking collide
This TED Talk helped me feel safe enough to try something like ketamine therapy.
Art Things
A big thank you to Bri and Rebekah for including me in Level Ground’s group show Polarity! (The pillows I made for Star Gayzing are included in the Living Room Installation you see above.) The show is up at Robinson S.P.A.C.E. until November 10th and features so many wonderful artists!
Studio NotesI’m taking my time before I think about what bigger projects I want to work on next. So in the meantime, I’ve been enjoying learning and seeing other people’s work. Recently, studio visits have been a nice opportunity to invite people I admire to visit and swap and share thoughts, processes, and lessons. Last week’s studio visit from
Sue Bell Yank from Clockshop was great! Sue was previously the Deputy Director over at 18th Street Arts Center and is now leading Clockshop, a rad org that produces free public programming and commission contemporary artist projects on public land. Clockshop works towards the goal of connecting Angelenos to the land we live on.
That’s all for now. Thank you so much for being here.See you next month!
Bianca
Such a beautiful read this Monday morning. Love the resources and really like the idea of just making something for yourself. “Quick and dirty” I like that😊
-Rae