2.16.26
Studio Vibes
Watching: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, 2026 Winter Olympics, and Ponies
Reading: Typhoid Mary by Anthony Bourdain
Listening: Midnight Sun by Zara Larson, Zelda Lofi
This is technically a three-week check-in, but the past three weeks have been absolutely chaotic. Along with the absolute dumpster fire that is the world and dealing with the emotional and mental effects of that, I’ve been running around everywhere. At the beginning of the month, I went down to San Antonio to visit Angelica; the weekend after, I transferred apartments; and finally, yesterday, I flew down to see my dad (and promptly flew back up this morning).
It’s been a lot.
In terms of creative work, I haven’t been working on my pieces as much, but I have been getting some sketching and being a student again.
In Progress
My original visit to San Antonio was supposed to be for the Stardew Valley concert. It was going to be a little girl’s weekend for Angelica and me. Then her exhibition opened the same weekend, so it became this celebration of her hard work and the Stardew Valley concert. I already did a mini-review about her exhibition on my IG, but I need to keep stating how phenomenal this exhibition is. Angelica is not just an incredibly talented artist, but more importantly, she is incredibly hardworking (our time in undergrad proved that). To be talented is one thing; to constantly put in the effort to improve your skills and learn new techniques is another. That is what makes a great artist. Any time we spend time together, I always feel inspired and a new rush of wanting to create. I don’t care what I make, I just need to make something.
Photos from the exhibition, “Mystic Threads”, featuring work by Angelica Raquel.
While checking out her exhibition, we also took some time to walk around the McNay. I saw this painting by Cézanne and found a ton of inspiration in it. I love that not every detail was filled out. It’s more than likely that the paint Along with walking around the McNay, I was able to look through some of her books and get inspiration for monthly challenges and new ways of thinking. Sometimes, you need to take a step back and become a student again. The Watercolor Class is meant for a watercolor class, but I took photos of some of the assignments to use as inspo for future works and challenges.
Top photo: Houses on the Hill by Paul Cézanne, 1900-1906, oil on canvas
Bottom Photo: Watercolor Class by Michael Crespo
This past week, I decided to try to sketch every day for the rest of the month (I missed yesterday because it was just a lot). I’m trying to just get back in the practice of making something daily and improve my skills. Do I love all of these drawings? Absolutely not, I can see what needs to be improved on. However, I’m making something, so that’s all I care about.
Quick sketches I’ve been working on (no more than 20 minutes).
Creative Endeavors
During my San Antonio visit, Angelica and I also had a craft night where we made bag charms! Honestly, it was nice to make something that was cute and aesthetic. I can’t wait to put them on keyrings (and finally get to use them).
My two bag charms: a tropical theme and a cherry blossom theme.
In terms of Blerdcon costumes, I’m truly cutting it down to the wire. I still have time, but I know I’ll be con crunching for the Sailor Cosmos costume. My cousin Netah got almost all the clothing items and accessories for our DeeDee costume. I found a tutorial for boot covers so we can have the red boots (without needing to buy them). Also, the TLC-meets-PPG costumes are going to be fairly easy - I just need a pair of overalls and to make an Octi bag.
Other Shenanigans
As I mentioned earlier, Angelica and I went to the Stardew Valley concert in San Antonio. I had seen the concert last October, and it was the most magical night. Angelica also loves Stardew Valley, and we hadn’t seen each other since her wedding, so I figured this would be the perfect friend date. The show was phenomenal, as always. I love hearing classical renditions of video game music. If there is an Ocarina of Time or BoTW/ToTK concert, I will be going in a heartbeat.
I also transferred apartments (same building), so when I got back from San Antonio, I immediately had to start packing my entire apartment to move in four days. I lost quite a bit of space (especially in the kitchen), but overall, I love the cozier vibe my new apartment has. Also, I love seeing all the new curations I’ve done for my artwork. But moving in basically four days is a lot. I don’t recommend it.
(Right) Top photo: Stardew Valley concert at the Majestic in San Antonio
(Left) Middle & Bottom photo: Little curations in my new apartment.
Finally, this past weekend, I went down to see my dad for literally a day. My dad has been having health issues, so I’ve been seeing him a lot more. He moved to North Carolina a few years ago, so it’s a very short drive/flight. Both of my parents are much older, so I try to treasure as much time as I can with them, knowing that our time is growing more and more limited.
Now that things have calmed down (somewhat), I will be back to my regularly scheduled programming with an update in two weeks.