peace peace peace,
how are you? how is your heart?
i am in limbo, still working to find places for the things i moved out of my former studio and gallery spaces. i am working to curate space in two new spaces in addition to my home workspace. my spirit wants to feel grounded and at home somewhere so i can dive back into the depths of my creative practice. i hope to get settled soon. and also, i was reminded by new art friend that even in the midst of moving and curating my new spaces, i still need to paint/create. soon.
Tuesday was for adulting. after taking a yoga class, as i usually do on Tuesday mornings, i bought a broom and dustpan for one studio space along with other cleaning supplies. then i went to the grocery store for fruits and things to prepare food that i could munch on all week. i commenced to making a couple of drinks by blending watermelon and cucumbers. i even meal prepped for the week, something i hadn’t done in a while.
i’ve also been indulging in one of my favorite summer time eats, smoothie bowls! this one is a blend of a few different frozen and fresh fruits. granola, dates, cinnamon, and nutmeg are my go-to toppings.
back to this feeling of being in limbo…
i believe it’s a precursor to a new era. i have a new space, well two new spaces. one is a tiny house. the other is a larger space with windows that OPEN! but these new spaces are also precursors to something else new and unknown that’s coming. i feel as though i am coming up on more opportunities to evolve, experiences that will thrill and surprise me. i feel most aligned right now. during my time at my former studio i planted so many seeds, and i can see some of them sprouting and growing tall now.
of the seeds i’ve planted lately, there are a few maybe’s in the mix:
an artist residency in Senegal
a three-year artist fellowship in Tulsa, OK
having work shown in a group exhibition in Durham
and then some definite & confirmed seedlings and sprouts:
i was accepted to show work in my first group exhibition outside of North Carolina. it’ll be in Atlanta, in November/December
being invited to be one of ten Black artists to have a booth at the Charlotte Soul Fest in September
being invited to participate in the Cabarrus County Art Council’s postcard exhibition and fundraising event
what are you looking forward to in July?
July is a hot month and we are already in the throes of a heat wave. during the summer i like to be outside soaking up sun until i don’t lol. i like that my skin gets darker and my appetite shifts as my body craves lighter fare. smoothie bowls, fresh juice, salads, lots of fruit, and water are dietary staples during this time. sun and heat induced naps are a thing too.
i’m mostly looking forward to settling into my new spaces and preparing for my birthday month, August. i am looking forward to getting back into a rhythm of creative play once i feel grounded again. i’m looking forward to painting and completing my latest rebrand. behind the scenes, i’ve been developing a number of ideas, one of them being an art mailing club.
it’s called Dear Collector and it will be a more financially accessible path for folks to take to become collectors of my artwork. collectors who choose this path will receive special packages in the mail from me on a monthly or quarterly basis. those special mailers will contain original artwork, fine art prints, and other surprise goodies. i am really excited about this offering and can’t wait to share more later!
i’m also looking forward to completing the repair of my favorite jeans! i’m using the Sashiko method of sewing patches of fabric into place using visible stitches by hand. i’ve had these GAP boyfriend jeans for at least a decade. why are they my favorite? because i love the fit and they are made from good, quality denim. they’re worth repairing and keeping. i love them. i’d been wearing them even with the gaping holes in the legs, making sure to wear shorts or leggings underneath. at this point the really big hole has gotten bigger and traveled up to the waist of the jeans so before they come apart completely, i’ve got to save them lol. i am not ready to let them go. and so, here we are.
plus, i’m still trying not to shop for new clothes. have i shopped for new clothes? yes, i have, but not often. not even monthly at this point, and that’s great progress for me.
okay, enough of my ramblings. that’s what’s going on with me. i try to keep it brief here. want more grounding? this month’s Studio practice is coming next week. consider becoming a paid subscriber to access the Studio. here’s a preview of last month’s practice exploring the root chakra.
thank you for being here. i’m truly grateful for your existence. i hope the month of July is full and rich with everything you want and need. if it’s hot where you are, try to stay cool and hydrated.
as always, i wish you peace, love, ease, joy, balance, and liberation,
Tiya
Celebrating you, your creative practices, summer exploration in the heat and loving on those jeans! Big hugs fam