Hello heart beings,

This summer I did a bit of traveling. That is how it is when partnered with a teacher. Summers are for exploring. As much as I love new experiences, I relish coming back to a routine and a familiar space.

In August I successfully sent off my first drop of stickers to my Hummingbird team on Patreon. I am so excited to share myself in this way. I am exploring my process by looking at my technique and exploration with watercolor with these first few sticker selections. I am almost at capacity but there is still room for more members. I intend to expand the offerings as I gain some continuity and rhythm.

I am also preparing for a dual show in November with a fellow artist that I admire. We have a meeting about it this week and I can’t wait to let you know what we come up with. It’s been really fun getting back into the studio.

Studio time can look isolating but when I am painting I feel present with my thoughts, feelings and ideas of the world. This extends out to the people I know and encounter. All the stories between us, here and there, in my mind, translate to two dimensions with pen, ink and paint.

I say that drawing and painting keep me alive. This statement means that creating keeps me present. Staying present requires feeling the now. And right now it is intense.

It feels especially important these days to connect, in person if possible, and with intention.

So with intention, I do want to acknowledge the presence of grief in the world right now. There has been a lot of loss recently. It’s not an anomaly. It’s an inevitable. This isn’t a dark thought but a clear one. Find the thing that makes you feel alive and keep at it. I am so grateful to have a way to process and express myself.

If you receive any joy, solace or refuge in my work I feel blessed. Thank you for being here.

Be kind to yourself,

Zoe

Join my Patreon: Zoe Ani’s POST PALS! Sign up for free to see if you are into it and if you want, become a Hummingbird member at 5$ a month to receive some new stickers of my art every month!

Latest Read: Memorial by Bryan Washington. I read Palaver first and now I am going through all the titles from this author. Buy at your local bookstore or even better, check it out from your local library!

Art Date: Coyote vs Acme I caught this movie recently. It was directed by a friend’s brother. It was shelved before the pandemic and just came out. I grew up watching looney tunes and I loved it.

Inspiration: RIP Dolly. Thank you for your music, your open heart, vision and generosity.

Shout Out: To all the helpers, be it the first responders or your neighbor. If you get a chance, be a helper.