6.21.26

Studio Vibes

Watching: Angel’s Egg; Perfect Blue; The Haunting of Hill House; Bob’s Burgers; 2026 FIFA World Cup

Reading:The World We Make by N.K. Jemisin; The Broken Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin

Listening:  The Planets by Gustav Holst

I broke my promise to myself with an update in two weeks, but it’s okay! I was still painting and working on sewing projects. I’m trying to be kinder to myself – 10 minutes of creating is better than none. 5 minutes of practicing Japanese or Spanish is better than nothing. Getting a 10-minute walk in is better than not moving my body at all (very important because now my body yells at me if I don’t get regular exercise). I want to be successful, but then the perfection paralysis stops me from even starting.

In Progress

I’ve been trucking along on these paintings. I’m not sure if it’s because I just watched Angel’s Egg and Perfect Blue, but these paintings are becoming an intriguing look at the idea of self. I also decided to slap paint onto the paper, and it’s been so satisfying. I don’t know why I keep attempting to do a realistic painting style when that’s not my jam. It never has been (except maybe the Rubik’s Cube painting from undergrad). Also, the other mirror painting? I may scrap it or paint over it. I’m much more excited to work on my current pieces, and there’s something about this particular piece that’s not clicking. That’s okay - I’m okay with trying again.

I’m vibing with these paintings so much.

My brothers and my niece came up this past week. After a trip to the Torpedo Factory Art Center, I got some major art inspiration and ended up having an art afternoon with my niece. She made paintings for all of us, and I made a painting of my heirloom tomatoes from the farmer’s market. I’m tempted to do a little series of summer produce.

II wanted the wonkiest looking tomatoes because they would be the best to paint.

Speaking of inspiration, I’ve been playing the game Anthropeum, and it’s making me realize that I need to learn more about Asian (East, South, and West), African, South and Central American, and Oceanic art. I want to run to the MLK Library and grab a couple of art history books. I also want to pop over to the Asian Art Museum and African Art Museum (incredibly underrated museums on the mall).

Creative Endeavors

Invisible zippers are the bane of my existence. This skirt is so close to being done, but I’m currently battling the zipper installation. Ironically, this is the second time I’ve worked with an invisible zipper, but I’ve never sewn a regular zipper. I do have a thrifted winter coat with a broken zipper, so that would be a great time to learn how to sew a regular zipper.

I need to start the vest, so I think I’ll start cutting out the pieces this week, probably Tuesday or Wednesday. There are a couple of other sewing projects I want to start this summer, including a swimsuit. First of all, why are swimsuits so expensive? Also, you have to buy the tops and bottoms separately. So, why not use my sewing skills to make my own swimsuit?

Sewing gathers on denim is an atrocious task (but I did it.)

I haven’t baked anything in a while, but I did help my aunt bake a pie yesterday. I was responsible for creating the lattice, and somehow it was the first time I had ever made a pie lattice. Was it the prettiest? No, not at all. However, it was a lot easier than I thought. I’ve also thought about doing a three-course meal for my birthday dinner, making each course. I love the idea of cooking my birthday dinner, but do I want to? It does mean I could make my own birthday cake and make it exactly what I want. I suppose I should start practicing making some of these dishes, especially if I make pasta or a whole fish.

Other Shenanigans

I have been watching so much soccer lately. The FIFA World Cup is happening, and I’ve been enjoying watching the games, especially since I’ve been watching them with friends and family. I watched the Netherlands vs. Japan game at an Irish pub with my friend. The energy was so much fun, even with the game ending in a draw. This past weekend, my family and I were flipping between games, kid-friendly movies, and shows. While I know FIFA and this particular World Cup are problematic, I’ve been enjoying seeing other people see the joy and kindness that I know we are capable of.

Watching Netherlands versus Japan at Ireland’s Four Courts.

A couple of weekends ago, I did nothing but play D&D and go to a Y2K party. It was amazing! D&D is always a great time, especially my Curse of Strahd group. I love my dhampir monk so much, but it probably wasn’t the best choice for a Strahd campaign (aka vampires). My friend Janessa invited me as her plus one to a Y2K birthday party for her co-worker. I wish I could have stayed longer, because the vibes were immaculate and I would have loved to go out clubbing afterwards. I may not drink or like staying up, but if I can dance for 3 hours, I will do it. 

My friend Janessa and I being what we thought we would be as kids (amazing).

Next update should be in two weeks because I will be on a train coming back up to the DMV, so I will have nothing but time to write (and hopefully a few completed projects)!