I have no training in drawing/painting whatsoever. Because of this, I don't put so much pressure on myself in regards to the final product. Painting is something I find a lot of relaxation in. And although I can't quite believe it or even understand it, I have sold some of my paintings to friends and have even had it displayed in stores before.
WEARABLE ART
One of my favorite projects I ever worked on (even though my hand was very tired) was writing on my sister's wedding dress. My sister Lindsay is an incredibly talented singer-songwriter and she had me write the lyrics to all her love songs about Audrie, my now sister-in-law, on the back of her wedding dress. The end result was beautiful and so special!
They're still married, by the way. But now they're parents to my smart, funny, spunky little niece, River.
The pieces below are all sample creations made for "Slay at Home", a creative project by The Fools Collaborative that asked residents to create costumes at home utilizing only items found within their "current place of quarantine.” Winners recieved gift cards to a local business of their choice. As one of the organizers of the challenge, I wasn't able to submit myself, but I did create some samples so other people had inspiration. The winners ended up being pretty darn impressive and the challenge was a great way to keep participants and audiences busy during quarantine.
I also tried something inspired by Girl with a Pearl Earring by Dutch Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer, but didn't share it publicly when I noticed that my friend Jessica had entered the contest using the same image for her inspiration.
PODCASTING
A comedy podcast about grief.
Dead Folks is a podcast I made with my dear friend Brooke Aiello, from the CMAC podcast booth. Brooke and I both had complicated relationships with our mothers, then both lost our moms within a few months of one other. On the show, we discuss grief, loss, rage, and all the ways it has changed - and continues to change- us.
We are in talks to bring the show back in late 2024/spring 2025. Stay tuned.
COS-PLAY (OR SOMETHING LIKE IT)
I'm a bit of a Medusa-phile and I utilized her story as a framework for my grad school thesis. I had my creative partner, Miguel Gastelum, take pictures of me as Medusa to use as the cover image for my presentation invitation, and also just for the experience of getting to 'play' her for an afternoon. As to why my Medusa has snake-themed jewelry but not actual snakes in her hair, that's a question you can ask me about someday and I'll be happy to make you regret the question. :)