Wear the Color and Become the Color

I am back at school! Woah! It simultaneously feels like I've been away forever, and like I've been away for a day. I also missed almost my whole first week from the flu, which held me back a bit and made my first few weeks a bit off, but I think I'm back on track finally. I was really worried about coming back because of all the artists block I was experiencing last semester--I really didn't want to spend a whole other semester making things that didn't feel right or exciting and I even toyed with the idea of taking a semester off because I felt in such a funk! I am happy to announce, however, that (knock on wood) I'm feeling a lot better and more excited about making things again! I have two studio classes this semester and they're both really different than the studios I've had the past few semesters--one Bookmaking/Papermaking class and one class on Natural Dyeing. Both are so new to me that I'm learning a lot already! And the new processes are really getting me out of my funk because they really tie in with the processes I already know and I'm very excited to combine them! I feel very inspired!

It's gonna be a hard semester. I'm taking six classes, which is more than I have ever taken in the past, so I'm hoping I won't get too burnt out and hoping I can stay on top of all the work I have to get done! Also, everything that's going on in the world is terrifying and anxiety depletes my energy really fast. But I'm trying to be more active; to fight in the ways I can. Be energized by the fight rather than feeling overwhelmed by what I can't do. 

We need to keep fighting. Pipeline pollution is a real, prevalent, and dangerous problem since 1986, pipeline accidents have killed more than 500 people, injured over 4,000, and cost nearly seven billion dollars in property damages.  We need clean water, the watershed of the Mississippi includes all or parts of 31 states and 2 Canadian Provinces. The watershed measures approximately 1.2 million square miles, covering about 40% of the lower 48 states. It's so dangerous and just downright stupid to be tampering with our water!! We only have a finite amount! NO DAPL! Donate to efforts, call the army corps, demand no violence towards protectors, demand no pipeline. Artwork by my friend Lukaza

Shaker gift drawing behind me: Polly Jane Reed, A Type of Mother Hannah's Pocket handkerchief, Drawn by Father James for Jane Blanchard, New Lebanon, N.Y., 1851. Ink and watercolor on paper; H. 14", W. 17". 

Stepped On: Double cloth pickup woven rug I made displayed in the Text-Tales show. Text on the rug reads "heart hurt" all weft yarns were dyed with makeup. 

My adorable grandma interacting with her jacket on display at the Text-Tales show. 

I'm wearing more bright colors and makeup lately to fuel my energy. Wear the color and become the color. I want to continue this energized feeling I have! I need to continue to work hard and be making things as much as I possibly can! Speaking of which, I need to get back to journaling. 

Maya