Greetings fellow humans,

I went back in to the studio after the week on the picket lines. It felt so good. I always have several works in progress in the studio. I have been struggling with a repair job on a wax piece that originally had fallen off the wall and over time a bubble rose out of it and then it cracked. It was one of the first encaustic pieces that I created and I have learned so much about the medium since then. I also paint differently.

It was really fun to go back and recreate the work as close as possible to how it was before. I remembered some of the playfulness that drew me to the medium in the first place. If my time in the studio feels playful then I consider it a successful day.

I have also been sketching more. When I feel overwhelmed by this world we live in it helps to doodle and sketch. When I was a child this is how I regulated my thoughts and feelings when I felt inundated with information. I consider it a good practice for me.

What helps you what you feel inundated?

The above photo is from a project I participate in called exquisite corpse. Each artist starts with a ‘head’ then sends it to another artist to complete a ‘torso’ and so on. By the end we have 4 different wild interpretations that create a body. I usually sketch animals but this time I went with interiors and hardware. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

I love participating in projects like this. Staring at a blank canvas can sometimes be the biggest step to start creating. Having an assignment or a theme to start from makes it a lot easier. So projects like this and the Love Letters fundraiser help me to practice taking the first step. It’s like exercising a muscle.

Another thing I love about exquisite corpse is sending the work through the mail. I am a nerd about sending items through the mail. I love the post office. I like to have agency in creating the packages. I like the human touch. It got me thinking.

I have been researching the idea of starting a Patreon page. It has been suggested to me more than once to create one. I want to make it affordable, simple and fun. I think I am a step closer to launching it soon and it will include receiving things in the mail. I’ll keep you posted. (Dorky pun)

Thanks for reading the tidbits and tangents from my brain. Writing to you helps me feel connected. Articulating my process helps me to continue my work. Thank you.

Until next time. Do something that makes you smile this weekend.

Cheers, Zoe

Latest Read: You Are The Land Steph Littlebird, an amazing artist I met at the Art Summit in Grand Ronde OR. This is a childrens book.

Buy at your local bookstore or even better, check it out from your local library! I usually use the link for Bookshop.org because a portion of the purchase goes to independent bookstores

Art Date: Bid on my Letters! v and E

FUNDRAISER for Live Art Walls Silent auction

Final opening Sat - Feb 21, 4-9pm

APE - 3386 18th St San Francisco  

Inspiration: Haven Watch Minnesota continues to inspire. These folks help people who have been released from ICE detention centers. They are often released with no way to get home, no phones, money, proper clothing, etc.

Shout Out: To my cousin who made time to visit me on a quick trip to SF!