a song to set the tone: Belong in the Sun by ¿Téo?
Fortune cookie of the day: “Art is a harmony parallel to nature.” - French painter, Paul Cézanne
During the pandemic in 2020, I became equipped with much more time and tools to think, evolve, and rest. A hint of guilt lingers because I personally enjoyed that time even though the world as we knew it seemed to be getting flipped upside down. I temporarily dropped out of school to better understand who I am outside of school, what I want out of continuing my education, and spend more time developing my vision. For the first time in my life, I began to get more clarity and develop a better sense of self. It felt like I was breathing clearly for the first time since my early childhood…
Looking back, I equate this with two main things. The time I spent creating art and my time immersed in nature. Even recently I got too caught up and had to shimmy myself out of the overbearing reality of this world. And it has been a return back to art and nature that has lifted me again! It’s almost too easy to get overwhelmed nowadays by all the things going on and not make time for these two simple things. “…nature and art are our pathways to healing and finding ourselves,” says Terezinha Fogaça, director of the Now School of São Paulo. “Both nature and art can cause an aesthetic emotion, which is very similar yet has no name…You can talk about enchantment, about wonder but it has no specific name.”
On the 18th of February, which is my born day, I locked in at the studio. This is one way I’m integrating art in my life to build the artful lifestyle I envision. I’ve never been big on having birthday dinners or celebrations so doing this every year feels special to me. Dedicating time to celebrate and enjoy something with myself is priceless! For these annual portraits, I’ve beginning to notice its my intimate and experimental process that is both healing and pivotal to my growth as an artist. To check out more from this shoot, click here!
As far as nature, that’s something that is becoming increasingly hard for me to incorporate due to America’s constant pursuit of profit, development, and, subsequently, gentrification. I will admit, I’m worried for nature and the wildlife of the earth. But the older I get, the more I long to spend more time in those places. Meditating, practicing yoga, or simply walking in nature has been my medicine on days where I feel stressed, anxious, and over it all. Moving forward, through travel and exploration, I will include more of the natural world in my life.
Both art and nature are integral to the person I’m becoming. I’m excited just thinking of the journeys and adventures I’ll be lead on because of that! What are thoughts on the Fortune Cookie of the Day? Don’t be afraid to email me back with any personal stories or connections! If you stayed til to the end & read all of my ramblings, I appreciate you!
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