Step up.
Drawing and painting keep me alive.
Hello mystic beings,
June is upon us! Pictured above is a work in progress for a second Marsh P. Johnson painting for the continuation of “The Other Ones” Polaroid Series. The first one is sold. I recently read an article in May about a school board in Wisconsin that banned a high school band from performing a song honoring Marsha P. Johnson and the Stonewall uprising. This song, A Mother of a Revolution, was composed in 2019 by Omar Thomas. It had no lyrics. The performance went on without the song included which is unfortunate. The students worked hard preparing to play this complicated work. I also read that a Lutheran Church offered to provide a space for the performance of the music. That’s so cool and heartening. They really stepped up.
It’s my opinion that banning things, like books and music only make them more desirable. It also shows the power of art and gives me more motivation to keep working on my craft.
It’s important to keep our stories out there. There is a push to erase certain histories and replace it with rose tinted glasses or flat out lies. This is not a new thing.
It’s worth remembering the struggles that those who came before us have been through to bring justice and equity to the forefront. It’s on us to remember and share these stories. So, I paint Marsha with humble appreciation for all that she did.
Happy pride to all. Do something kind for yourself today.
Until next time, Zoe
Latest Read: The Rest Is Noise by Alex Ross. This is a book that looks at history through music. Buy at your local bookstore or even better, check it out from your local library!
Art Date: Tonight! You can bid on my work ‘Osage Bloom’ at LOCALLY GROWN, the ArtSpan Benefit Auction. Get your tickets and see how to bid here. ArtSpan is a community organization that facilitates the Open Studios event in San Francisco.
Inspiration: Marsha P. Johnson and those kids who worked so hard to learn the song honoring her.
Shout Out: To my dad who is 85 years young today! He is the type of person who makes friends on a trip to the grocery store. Happy Birthday pop!