Finding a Groove
August brought breakthroughs and setbacks, plus a little dive into time and intuition.
We’re almost to the end of summer, and it feels like time keeps waffling between moving way too quickly and not quickly enough.
Speaking of time, before I jump into a recap of August, I recently came across an interesting article in Popular Mechanics which proposed that since time isn’t linear, your intuition may actually be memories from your future. Click the button below if you’d like to read it!
August was a mixed bag, with a significant breakthrough as well as some disappointment.
I’ll start with the disappointment.
I was rejected from the Saint Paul Public Library project, as I suspected I would be. (Speaking of intuition being memories from the future.) Still, the application process was valuable practice; something I need to get used to.
Throughout my career, I’ve avoided applying for grants or projects because most require a CV or resume and I’ve been ashamed of having an Associate’s degree instead of a Bachelor’s. On paper, I feel like I look “lesser than” artists with higher degrees.
Having to submit a bio for this project instead of a resume allowed me to briefly share the context behind why I don’t have a Bachelor’s, which gave me a small confidence boost despite also feeling like it was still a long shot that I’d be selected.
Addressing my education, I wrote: “Her interest in pursuing a creative career lead her to studying Interior Design and Graphic Design at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. After encountering a waitlist that indefinitely delayed her ability to complete a B.F.A. in Graphic Design, she transferred to another institution and went on to earn an Associate of Arts in Multimedia Design from Globe College in 2001.”
Reading it again, I think I could have been clearer and even padded it a little more. Something like, “After encountering a waitlist that indefinitely delayed her ability to complete a B.F.A. in Graphic Design, her problem-solving skills and perseverance motivated her to transfer to another institution…”
Talking about myself, or rather talking myself up, is not something I’ve ever been particularly good at. I know I’m skilled, especially after over 20 years of experience, but I’m still learning how to be comfortable with confidently saying so.
Now on to the breakthrough!
I solved the time issue for my mediative videos! To quickly recap last month’s newsletter, I was struggling with making videos that were long enough to be paired with yoga sessions, sound baths, etc. My brain would tap out around 3-5 minutes and those events are usually 30 minutes minimum. It turned out the issue was not about the timing, but how I was thinking about the video.
To back up a little, when I was researching projection mapping software, I came across Resolume, which is used for concert visuals. It organizes clips in a library and offers editing and mixing tools. I dismissed it since I was looking for dedicated projection mapping software and didn’t need the other features. I chose MadMapper instead.
While watching a video about liquid light shows a couple of months ago, the creator explained how they could blend their prerecorded video content with their live liquid work using Resolume. Shortly after writing last month’s newsletter, it clicked.
I was so focused on making a single all-purpose video which was a specific length that I could just set up and hit play, which is what you do for projection mapping, that I didn’t even consider how I could “perform” at these events using multiple shorter clips.
I downloaded the demo of Resolume, experimented with it, and it’s exactly what I need.
Below is a brief YouTube video explaining how it works.
COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER
I’m still waiting to hear back about a projection event in Minneapolis called Light on Lake that will be happening along East Lake Street at the end of January. The overview stated they’re only selecting three artists to develop video/animation work to be projected on pre-approved sites.
(That’s a really small event, in my opinion, if they want to get people out of their homes at night in January when there’s a decent chance the temps will be in the single digits.)
The notification date is September 15th and unlike the public library project, my intuition has been a little muddy about whether I’ll be selected. I went out on a limb by pitching the animation of a mural (the street has at least a dozen) when that wasn’t listed in the overview. I figured there’s a possibility the selection board has never seen an animated mural and didn’t even consider it. The risk of proposing something outside of what they’re looking for could work in my favor, but I’m prepared for a rejection.
While I’m waiting, I have A LOT of work to do to get ready for October. There are 4 applications due: 2 grants and 2 calls for entry, one of which is Blink in 2026. I don’t have high hopes for any of it, to be honest, but doing nothing guarantees nothing will happen. I at least have to try.
I’ll also be finishing up creating content for a retreat coming up on October 11th!
Starting with Stillness is an all-day women’s retreat meant for beginners who are drawn to stillness as an antidote to an active (or even chaotic) life but don't know where to begin.
I was invited to close out the day with a relaxing projection, and I’ll be pairing it with recommendations of small somatic exercises that can be done while watching to help release tension. If you’re in the Twin Cities and interested in learning more, click the button below!
As always, thank you so much for being here! Your support keeps me motivated.
Until the next newsletter, be well!
Giesla
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