115. Day
How it goes on. Voyages, a break from the film, a mini zine, and a birthday.
I recently celebrated a milestone birthday.
Having been on earth for what seems an astounding amount of time, the idea of continuity is something I’ve been increasingly leaning into.
When I was younger I was always running toward something: college, job, promotion, financial security. I craved arrival: to check boxes, resolve issues, accomplish goals, get recognized, finish todos. I couldn’t wait to put my feet up at the end of the day.
But there really is no end to the day.
There’s always something, most of which is out of my control, often unpleasant and taxing, usually mysterious, sometimes violent. The peace I want, I have to make. I try to engineer life so that the option to “put my feet up,” when I want to put them up, is predictably available.
Recognizing that I have that option has been much harder than generating it.
When I was little I imagined that one day I’d have a place of my own, with lots of light, and billowing curtains. I dreamed of not having to answer to anyone else. Of living in NYC. Making art. Sitting at table with extraordinary company. Eating and wearing what I want. I dreamed of family, friends, and freedom.
To say that these are things I have…
With all that’s going on, I feel doubly blessed and grateful.
In the studio
I just returned from two weeks of travel, effectively taking a break from the film.
I was still able to finish the segment I was most recently working on, then get a crit session in, since last time:
The downshooter has been a joy, mainly. I had to replace a small part (always something!), but other than that the setup has felt much more reliable and efficient than its predecessors. The base is relatively easy and inexpensive to duplicate (short pipe, clamp) so I hope it’ll be a breeze to set up in New Hampshire when I go to MacDowell for my upcoming residency.
While I’ve been off-film, I made a mini zine for an international swap among artists.
It took more time and effort than I thought it would, but I really enjoyed making it. I first saw Austin Kleon making these and thought how fun! I’m glad to be finally making my own:
It’s my first year doing this, but I believe the swap is an annual affair organized by animator, professor, and studio mate Caitlin Craggs. Other participants include experimental animators Amanda Bonaiuto, James Thatcher, and Daniela Scherer. There are so many this year that we have two cohorts! Everyone makes thirty copies for their respective one; those who can meet in New York City will be gathering later this month to do the exchange in person. Next year I’ll try to share in advance so y’all can join in on the fun.
My mini zine is called “Spring Came, or Daylight Savings.”
I hate losing an hour every year, even if it’s one that I’ve only had on loan. A part of me dreads longer days that arrive early. Cold, dark mornings feel protective and cocooning. I work best then, when nothing else has begun yet, and the ideal place to be is inside, at the desk, alone with a steaming cup of espresso and milk.
Then again, spring is beautiful, bringing with it open windows, flooding the studio with light. I love drinking and eating outside. Balmy air, bare shoulders. The green smell of leaves. The sound of birds, a neighbor’s virtuosic piano-playing. Once in a while, a far-off muezzin.
A thing leaving, a thing returning. It’s a metaphor for things beyond seasons.
Investors, I include a copy of my artwork for you, should you wish to print it out and fold into a little zine.
You’re the first to see it! Enjoy.