#i am as enriched and intrigued and appreciative and etc as ever | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

unproduciblesmackdown · 1 year

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reread the rest thus far of lackadaisy and there's the both v easy & difficult task of gathering a shit ton but only a shit ton of excerpts (like every single page is a highlight i'm not exaggerating)

and every single element is superlative and the way it all only becomes More So....already mentioned the way the like smooth gradient shading made the successful evocation of 3D Shapes more noticeable, along w/the consistent geometries of character design & details in fabric folds; the way Lighting & Coloring only goes on to become more prominent elements only enhances that further. the compositions, backgrounds, pacing, angles....everything is so dynamic & expressive, such as including the expressions which you know i also Love / absorbed

going "hell yes for people to discover this superlative comic" then having to occasionally refresh past site traffic overloaded server errors like "nooo" but actually yes

whilest clapping & cheering for the fun of everyone who's been here a minute. My God the invigorating reward when again i started reading in '07 & the concept of rocky & freckle on a "proper" run had only manifested via fun official bonus art, then a literal decade later as it was actually happening in the comic like screeeeaammm i can feel it coming in the air tonight oh lord etc....i've loved following it, again, if i see another new comic page. i am going to be Enriched

i also really was right on the ball myself this time around like okay okay yep i have picked up on Everything, at least to the degree i can lmao. i love the mysteries. i love how Character Focused it is too ofc and there's no characters i'm uniterested in / dislike. you gotta point to one of them, truly, and i have been a [pointing at freckle] enjoyer these fifteen years but fr i am a connoisseur of everyone, i love that so many characters are a weird mysterious chaos element story driver in their own right. i considered mordecai more intently than ever, love his like ultra mystery (and that we leave off on him doing some detectiving even) and truly fun that like, the source of the more Immediate problems he keeps having in every damn interaction isn't the like [wow mordecai with the just diving into the hatchet murdering] factor so much as it's that he's generally like "i am just standing here" and is not nt in any way that matters and people insist on fucking with him on that front. the peak tragedy of him in a bonus comic getting bullied into having to dance with someone to Be Polite like i'm so sorry i wish you could be that ficus too. anyways intrigued with the marigold &/or mordecai mysteries including that it's like, how coincidental is it that he talks about marigold having a thorn in its side & the savoys' nickname for him is peekon = thorn. there is so much to consider, love that for us truly. and i'm rooting for mordecai & nicodeme's dynamic out here, is another conclusion....very enriched by comparing & contrasting that serafine nicodeme mordecai triumvirate with the rocky ivy freckle one, to be sure. im enriched

i'm also enriched by every footnote that's got like historical facts / research notes / [this is inaccurate for xyz prioritization but here's the disclaimer] explanations. i Love information. and everything else like i loooove this comic it's Soooo Fucking putting my hands to my temples and inhaling at length through my teeth

#first time i've really taken tumblr up on that new thirty image limit expansion; bit of a surprise maybe lol #put your back into autism acceptance month &/or press j; scroll fast; read through it actually; filter the following:#long post //#learning abt the overwhelming popularity of baby ruth candy bars from lackadaisy footnotes? relevant to gtm:pota aficionadoship at one pt #remember discussing what i learned from another footnote abt some christian denominations / other religions being very Anti Prohibition #every time i use the word cagey i think of lackadaisy. cagey thing... we've all been there #fantastic time revisiting and i love to be considering all these characters all the further / with reckless juxtaposition #especially the two triumvirates as mentioned. rooting for them all #rooting for mordecai to be relieved of that v realistic [ppl sensing a Mess With His he is not nt in any way that mattersness Free For All]#either let him be or start shooting at him lmfao. but i Love that the gang had that pleasant nonbrunch together & no shots exchanged yet #more brunches! and i think nicodeme could be mordecai's bestie or w/e he wants. turn out to be Supportive in any way that matters #they are more so the ivy and freckle of their group after all lol. slightly would-be Unlikely coupling there as well anyways; and yet!#i am as enriched and intrigued and appreciative and etc as ever #and reminded that in my rereading i haven't yet gone over all the bonus material lol....#also stumbled across that sungwon cho had fandubs of lackadaisy comics posted like 9 yrs back??#which means i probably saw one or two; think i remember one being shared and checking that out #like hey didn't know i'd encountered you before like; vines & oh the lamps are fucking & etc. and now there he goes voicing mordecai yaay #lackadaisy

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daisychaindaydreamsblog · 5 years

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Hey lovelies! I’m very excited to share one of my 2019 makeup trends blog post with you today! It’s no secret that I spend a *lot* of time scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest looking at beautiful makeup products and reading about the latest trends in the industry. So this week’s beauty blog post features eight of my favourite make trends that have caught my attention so far this year. I’ve also included links to useful ‘how-to’ tutorials so you can easily recreate these makeup looks yourself, as well as both designer and more affordable alternative products to help you achieve these trends! I hope you enjoy reading this post and I look forward to hearing your favourite makeup trends in the comments!

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Glossy EyeLids

Probably one of the 2019 makeup trends that I’m most intrigued about is ‘the glossy lid’. Although I’m yet to try recreating this look myself, I would be interested to see what it looks like in real life (I’m scared of getting caught in the wind with my hair though)! I love all these pastel tones they’ve used in the pictures below…

I’ve read some articles online and some beauty bloggers suggest using lip gloss as a ‘top coat’ applied after your normal powder eyeshadow, whilst others simply apply lipgloss to the eyelid. I’ve seen quite a few designer beauty brands creating liquid eyeshadow designed to create this glossy finish, but I’d personally suggest opting for more affordable option (because let’s be honest, it’s a passing makeup trend and who wants to be left with a barely used expensive product)…

I recently discovered this Mecca Max ‘wet look all over gloss’ which claims to be a non-sticky high shine jelly gloss made with jojoba oil for all day comfortability and the perfect finishing touch to your makeup look and can also be worn alone for a sheer gloss look. I’m going to have a closer look and swatch it when I’m next in-store!

If you’re interested in learning more, I found this Byrdie “how-to” article useful.

Image Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 |

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Full Brows

You only have to refresh your Instagram feed to see 178924 posts about “brow goals”… there are sooo much products people suggest too (including brow primer, brow pencil, brow powder, brow setting serum, brow ‘under-brow’ concealer, and the list goes on and on!). Whilst this great to learn about, it’s not so good for my bank account. I’ve commented on lots of beauty bloggers posts asking for their recommendations and if the more expensive ‘cult’ status brow products are worth their weight in gold (I mean, I’m not going to spend $52 on an Hourglass eyebrow pencil if it isn’t worth my while)…

Some high-street ‘dupes’ for good quality eyebrow pencils that won’t break the bank include MCO Beauty, Maybelline, the Mecca Max range, and MAC in comparison to Hourglass, Anastasia Beverly Hills and Benefit Cosmetics. If you save any other affordable brand suggestions, please let me know in the comments section below!

Image Source

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Glowy & Dewy Skin

I feel like glowy and dewy skin is always on trend, but I feel like it’s more popular than ever this year. During Spring and Summer I’m hoping to recreate a subtle and ‘healthy-looking glow’ without looking with a sweaty shiny disco ball…

If you’re interested in reading more about cream & liquid beauty formulas, the lovely Jasmine Dowling has recently written a blog post all about it.

Any application tips welcome! 🙂

Image Sources: Emma Hoareau & Jasmine Dowling

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Lip Glosses

Ahhh I fondly remember when I used to wear lip-glosses all. the. time. as a tween, but I also remember the sticky feeling of catching my hair (when it was quite long) in the wind *face palm*… well it’s 2019, I’m a little older, and the lip gloss is back baby! Personally I think the hype officially began when the lush Hourglass Cosmetics launched their ‘Unreal High Shine Voluminzing lipgloss range’ earlier this year, which includes lots of pink and peachy tones, as well as some brighter and deeper tones for a pop of colour and some shimmery ones too… so basically my dream in one collection, hehehe! Likewise, some other ‘cult’ status beauty brands released similar collections including MAC Cosmetics ‘tinted lipglass’ formula, Marc Jacobs Beauty, and the limited edition NARS ‘multi-use gloss’…

Whilst I love the look and sound of these gorgeous new collections and can appreciate the quality (the Hourglass ingredient list includes hyaluronic acid, shea butter and avocado oil for instant hydration and long-wearing coverage) , I can’t quite justify spending $44 on a lipgloss. I am definitely a little envious of the beauty bloggers who were sent the entire collection and may have sighed a little when I watched their unboxing of this range on Insta Stories. Can you blame me?

However, don’t panic if, like me, this luxe lipgloss isn’t my your budget! I’ve found lots of pretty alternatives to try!

I was lucky enough to receive a mini sample of the Too Faced ‘Sweet Peach Creamy Peach Oil lip gloss’ in one of my Mecca Beauty Loop boxes earlier this year. The packaging is adorable (it has a cute little peach emoji on the lid) and they’re enriched with nourishing peach and coconut oils and vitamin E to soften and hydrate your lips. Not to mention the lovely gloss finish. They are priced $29 at Mecca in Aus.

Oh and Mecca Max is another slightly more budget friendly brand now available at Mecca, and they have a few lipgloss products including their ‘shimmer shot lip glitter’ which has caught my eye on their website, hehehe!

Priceline also have some amazing lip glosses including MCO Beauty which I’ve heard lots of amazing reviews about, Revlon (on of my faves!), NYX Professional, L’Oréal (another favourite of mine!) and Maybelline…

Image Source: GlossCo

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Liquid & Cream Blushes

At the moment I typically own powder versions of most everyday makeup essentials like blush, highlighter, etc… however I adore all these lovely packaging and cream products being featured all over my Instagram feed over the past few months…

If you’re interested in reading more about cream & liquid beauty formulas, the lovely Jasmine Dowling has recently written a blog post all about it.

Image Sources: All About Your Glow | Sharm Toaster| Elizabeth Makeup Artist |

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Warm Toned Eyeshadow

Whether it’s bright yellow, rust orange, fushia pink or bronze – bright and colourful warm hues are taking over the neutral lids this season… are you a fan of this trend and/or would you try it?

Image Sources: GlossCo & Colour Pop Cosmetics & The Anna Edit

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“Blurred” Lip Stain

If you’d like to try a lip trend but aren’t keen on the gloss finish, you might prefer experimenting with the ‘blurred’ lip stain look instead.

Wondering how to recreate this look? I’ve heard great things about the Yves Saint Laurent ‘Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick’ ($59 – I’m dreaming) and more affordable options including 3CE (3 Concept Eyes) lip products which is available in Australia through InnisFree (I think they’re around the $25 mark) and some mixed reviews about Revlon’s new lip tint called ‘Kiss Cloud’ Blotted Lip Colour which is available at Priceline for $15. Oh and the Mecca Max ‘Lip Whip’ ($25 at Mecca) is supposed to be great too!

If you’re interested in reading some step by step tutorials on how to recreate this beauty trend, I’d recommend this how-to article by Allure.

Image Source: The Chriselle Factor

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Bold & Colourful Eyeliner

I’m yet to master the iconic black winged eyeliner, so I can’t say I’m in any hurry to try these colourful versions (mainly because I don’t trust my shaky hands, haha!). But I do love how it looks in this picture with minimal makeup and a sheer glossy lip. Oh and did you see those hairclips *heart eyes*…

Image Source

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I hope you enjoyed this week’s beauty blog post! If you’d like to see more makeup related content on Daisy Chain Daydreams, let me know… 🙂

Share your favourite 2019 makeup trends in the comments!

Daisy Chain Daydreams xox

BEAUTY: 2019 Makeup Trends I’m Loving & How to Recreate Them… Hey lovelies! I'm very excited to share one of my 2019 makeup trends blog post with you today!

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the-100-meta-library · 7 years

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Dear followers and meta fans!

Today, we present you the first segment of a series of interviews that will feature the brains and minds behind all those wonderful analyses floating around The 100’s tumblr tag.

For our first interview, we are pleased to welcome Elizabeth, also known as the lovely @hawthornewhisperer!

We connected with Elizabeth back in May, before Season 4, Episode 12. So this a little bit of a blast from the past. Read to see how right-- and wrong-- we were about some speculating.

We’d like to thank Elizabeth again for her time, and the supporters of the Meta Library who encouraged us. Keep an eye out for the next interview!

The 100 Meta Library (bellamysfern): The first questions are just about some background info. Anything you feel comfortable releasing to the internet. Who are you, what do you do, how does that affect how you write meta (if it has any effect at all), and your level of fandom experience.

Hawthornewhisperer: Okay, well, first of all, thanks for interviewing me! This is an honor and I appreciate you guys doing this.

You can call me Elizabeth, and I'm a writer-slash-historian living in Minnesota. I teach college courses on European history and write romance novels on the side (second one should be out this year!)

In terms of how that influences my meta, I've found that both of my jobs dovetail very well into analyzing the show.

As a historian, my main lenses of analysis are gender and imperialism so I tend to apply those to the show as well-- in what ways do characters fulfill our expectations of femininity/masculinity, and in what ways do they challenge it? What does that tell us about the characters?

My imperialist/colonialist focus also helps me sort out what the writers are saying (either intentionally or unintentionally) with regards to hegemonic cultures, etc.

As a writer, I try to think about the choices the writers room is making and what that tells us about the story

Oh, and fandom experience-- I wrote fic for The Hunger Games (Gale/Madge, mostly) but The 100 is probably the first fandom I've been very active in. But my first true fandom is probably Star Wars.

BF: That's absolutely amazing. I feel like anything with fandom can be trivialized, but so much work goes into writing meta and thinking about the choices made on the show.

HW: Yes, definitely!

I have very strong feelings about the importance of fandom, particularly transformative fandom (fics, headcanons, etc) as a primarily female space and how important that is to protect and take seriously.

BF: Right. And I know you write fanfic too (very good fanfic, btw).

Do you think writing meta influences how you think about fanfiction? They are two different ways of interacting with a show, but both require authors to really understand the material.

HW: Oh yeah, definitely!

I see fic and meta as two sides of the same coin-- writing meta

helps me understand characters better, because if I can explain why Bellamy or Clarke would make a particular choice in a particular episode that helps me craft their characters in fics in a way that feels true (or I hope so, at any rate.)

And writing fic helps with meta, because I have a little insight into how writers make decisions. In particular it makes me slightly more sympathetic to plot twists that seem to have no clear resolution because I frequently write ficlets with cliffhangers and then have *no idea* where it's going after that, because sometimes I just like to raise the stakes for myself. Of course, there's a major difference in that my fics are only limited by my imagination and can go in any direction I choose, whereas the show has actor contracts, studio pressure, budgets, filming limitations, and a dozen writers working on one story, and they’re getting paid to do this so they should be really be better at it than me.

BF: Is there anything you've ever read (fic or meta) that surprised you? Any interpretation or theory that influenced the way you thought about the show?

HW: You know, most of my favorite metas and theories come from the Meta Station podcast, and I wouldn't say it's *surprising* but I do think my favorite theory this season is probably Erin's suggestion that Bellamy will be key to brokering peace between all the clans. (I think we got the start of it in the most recent episode, actually, with his faith in Octavia). It wasn't a direction I'd initially considered for his character, but it fits very well with the story they've been telling thus far this season and I hope we see it come to fruition.

In terms of influence, one thing I really enjoy about fandom is how *collective* it all is-- lots of people come up with complementary ideas that fit together and overlap in really intriguing ways, which makes narrowing down influence kind of difficult. But on a personal level, I do toss ideas back and forth with @reblogginhood a lot, which probably shows in my writing.

BF: Haha, my fill of meta usually comes from Meta Station too. I just listened to the segment talking about fic and fandom with Chash and thought "Wow, this is great interview prep".

HW: I can't wait to listen to that! Those are three of my favorite fandom people, talking about my favorite topics, so I'm excited.

BF: I know, I was so excited when I saw the announcement. It was super cute and funny. Anyway, back on topic.

So for you, meta is a more collective thing. Do you have a writing process and need to go through the same steps every time, or does it vary?

HW: It varies, for sure. Sometimes I realize something and can just throw it all together very quickly, and sometimes my idea is very vague and I have to write and write and write (and talk it over with people) before I really figure out what I'm saying. But after writing a dissertation I'm pretty used to writing six different versions of the same idea before I feel like I've found it. I just edit those metas very heavily as no one needs to read four false starts. 😉

BF: So the amount of time it takes to write metas varies too.

Are there any characters/themes that come easier than others?

HW: Oh definitely.

Bellamy is probably the easiest for me to understand, followed by Clarke. There are other characters that just don't *speak* to me/I have less interest in writing meta on, but that doesn't mean I dislike them.

Roan, for instance-- he's probably my favorite minor character in the whole show but I don't have too much desire to get into his headspace for some reason.

The-100-Meta-Library (parapluiepliant): We could have had it all. Still in denial about Roan by the way.

HW: I'll always be in denial about Roan, but he will live eternal, shiny, and chrome in all of my fics so at least we have that.

PP: Yippieh! Something to look forward to!

BF: I am still in real actual denial because I thought I saw something about Zach coming back for season five.

HW: I would totally be fine with time travel becoming a thing on the show if it meant someone could go back in time and save Roan.

PP: Talking about time travel: let's go back in time.

I just scrolled a bit through your The 100 meta tag and came upon "Bellamy Blake, Clarke Griffin, and The Iliad". It was one of your first metas, or am I wrong?

Even though that referred to season 3, would you say that some of it still holds true for season 4?

HW: It probably wasn't my first meta, just the first one I bothered tagging-- I'm terrible about that, and I apologize to everyone for my poor organizational skills.

BF: I'm right there with you with the tagging.

HW: You know, I'm not sure it does hold true for season 4? The core of the Iliad is hubris, rage, and war between nations being manipulated by the gods, and that doesn't seem to be the story they're telling in season 4.

I will say, in retrospect I do think both Clarke and Bellamy were the Achilles in season 3 -- Clarke for separating herself from the fight, and Bellamy because it was his anger over Mount Weather 2.0 that incited a lot of the conflict.

(But I also doubt they were doing a straight parallel, so take that for what it's worth)

PP: Okay. Just a thought. I am not that familiar with the Grounders (and to the Arkadians to some extent) might still be an entertaining thought.

HW: Ooooh yes, that would work very well, especially since I suspect conflict between Becca and Cadogan is at the root of a lot of problems the societies are facing.

BF: I did find it interesting that the brought the Iliad in so explicitly. And there was a lot of speculation based on it, when maybe so much worth shouldn't have been placed on the Iliad/Odyssey.

But we won't know until the end, I guess.

HW: Yeah, it's tough to know what is meaningful and important and what's just a fun, throwaway moment until you've got a complete narrative to examine. But I do enjoy how fandom can take something like "Bellamy gets a present that probably just means he's a Big Ol' Nerd" and turn it into a coherent, unifying gloss on the season.

PP: One of the most entertaining and enlightening things in the fandom for me.

HW: Yeah, me too.

Fandom is such an enriching experience in so many ways.

PP: Another question in that regard: Is there a meta of yours of which you are most proud of? Or which you thought of as the most fun to read/the most clarifying in regard to certain aspects?

HW: I think the one I'm proudest of would be the one I wrote about Bellamy undercutting the Alpha Male trope, because I find "how we perform and understand gender" to be a really interesting topic, and I think Bellamy as a character really complicates our understanding of what it means to be an alpha male.

And I think some of that is directly intended by the writers, but I also think some of it comes from the performances (Bob in particular, but also Ian, Eliza, and Mike Beach because he's not just reading what's on the page, he's reacting to their performances as well.)

It makes Bellamy into a really interesting and nuanced character in a way that draws me in.

PP: Absolutely! One of the reasons I love him so much.

BF: Do you have a lot of interaction with your meta? Do people mostly reblog or like it, or do you get some conversations going?

HW: I think mostly people just like and reblog posts, but every so often someone will add something to my meta that I hadn't considered/seen before and it'll just blow my mind. I love it when that happens.

And sometimes people send PMs to respond and I end up having long, in depth conversations about characters with people I've never met before, and I *also* love that. I've made some really great friends that way.

BF: Fandom friendships are so interesting that way.

HW: Yeah, definitely.

I really treasure the friendships I've made in fandom, and I know they'll outlast the show itself, which is wonderful.

BF: Yeah, definitely contradicts everything people told you about everyone on the internet being dangerous. But I haven't met an axe murderer yet.

HW: Haha right? *fingers crossed*

PP: Who says that I am not one?

HW: Oh no! Haha!

BF: You are on the other side of the ocean. I think I'm good. Well, that was all questioning that I had. Laura?

PP: I would have one last question.

Can we hope for another meta pretty soon and if so, can you already tease it a bit?

HW: You know, there's nothing that I'm currently writing, I think because most of the stuff I'm interested in from 411 (the Bellarke fallout) seems to be on hold until 412, but I also tend to work best in response to prompts/questions.

So is there something you'd like me to talk about/you're interested in discussing?

BF: What’s your Becca/Cadogan speculation?

HW: Oooh, good one!

I think Cadogan's messed up childhood (Jaha mentioned an abusive father) is going to resurface, and I suspect it was a conflict between him and Becca that set things into motion. I have my fingers crossed for a flashback!

PP: Definitely. Oh, I missed that with Jaha because my stream didn't work properly. I really need to watch it so I can catch up!

HW: The Jaha-Cadogan mention was just a throwaway line, however, so I might be putting too much weight on it. And as for the Bellarke fallout, I do think Clarke holding a gun on him and then being unable to pull the trigger, even though she truly believed the human race might die if she didn't pull it, is going to carry a lot of weight in their relationship.

Clarke has consistently been shown as willing to put her own wants and needs and loves aside in order to save people, and this is one of the first times we see her make a heart choice instead of a head choice, if that makes sense.

But Clarke's decision to not shoot Bellamy was really big, and while I'm disappointed we didn't get the fallout immediately, I think 411 was a really busy episode and I have hopes that it will be addressed in some respect in 412.

BF: Thanks so much for taking so much time to talk to us!

HW: Of course! Thank you for interviewing me-- this was really fun!

#author interviews #hawthornewhisperer #the 100 meta

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uclavapae · 7 years

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Amorette Muzingo | Teaching Artist of January, 2017

Q: How did you discover your interest in the arts and how did you know that it was something that you wanted to pursue professionally, as an artist or as an artist teacher?

A: Growing up in an intimidatingly artistic family, it wasn’t ever a question to not pursue the arts; if that makes sense. The success of my father, my aunts, my uncles, and everyone else motivated me to stand alongside them in my artistic endeavors. The path I had chosen was quite bumpy - I went from fervently pursuing the arts/music from age 9 to abandoning the idea of art school altogether in my senior year of high school. I then enrolled in community college, where I began studying art history, almost dropped out, and then was accepted here at UCLA to study Art History. I came across VAPAE towards the end of my first year at UCLA and the classes that I took revitalized the passion I had at such a young age. I feel like VAPAE is a space where I can utilize my skills and background knowledge of the arts and child care while embracing that I’m a 12 year old trapped in a 23 year old’s body.

Q: Describe what the young artists in your VAPAE afterschool arts program are working on and the process they’re using.

A: Since we work with such a unique population, we really wanted to have curriculums that best suit the needs and interests of the girls at Aviva. With so many complex and diverse situations in the room, we developed a curriculum called The Art of Mindfulness, Tea, and Sanctuary. Every class began with a tea ceremony, in which we would sit at a table in a circle, pour tea for one another, and give appreciative comments to those around us. This established the most fantastic sense of community - the girls were unafraid to try a myriad of projects - such as installation, book making, origami, ceramics, activist art, garlands, pillow making, and more. The girls essentially created their own space in which everything was hand-made by them - really instilling the sense of community and sanctuary. This upcoming quarter is really exciting. We’re going to be transitioning into a marriage of visual and digital arts - Aviva has this fantastic Digital Media Lab. The main process will be Digital Storytelling and Narratives - so stay tuned for animated masks, reflective journaling, music making, poetry, and more!

Q: Why is an enrichment opportunity like this important for those participating? What do they gain?

A: I have heard, first-hand, the gains of positivity and awareness that VAPAE programs have provided to our students. One of our girls had been frustrated with one of her other peers, and instead of reacting in a negative fashion, she said, “I really think that that girl would benefit from the art classes we have, it would be really good for her”. Our student was able to recognize the impact that we made in our classroom in just 10 weeks and had developed a more mindful and caring approach to a tough situation. Participants in VAPAE programs are a special kind of community - it’s the chance to really connect on a deeper level of creativity and growth, and is immensely inclusive. The daily rhythms of school can be overwhelming, but with VAPAE after school programs, it provides this space in which the students are able to be present in themselves and with others and are able to really create something incredible.

Q: Did you have an opportunity like this when you were a younger artist? If yes, how did it help shape your love of art? If no, in what ways could a program like this have helped you?

A: I did have an opportunity somewhat similar to VAPAE - it was an after school/weekend music program in Hollywood called School of Rock (fun fact, the movie was loosely based on the program). There, I was able to take drum lessons that were organized under a common artist or theme: David Bowie, Women Who Rock, etc. We would rehearse every week after school and at the end of the 10 weeks, we performed at venues such as The Roxy and The Troubadour. Although it helped me develop lifelong friendships and further my passion for music, the cost of the program was quite a difficult setback, and it was difficult to commute to Hollywood. I really, really favor the openness that VAPAE provides, regardless of economic status, race, gender, or geography.

Q: What has this experience as a teaching artist or arts facilitator taught you about yourself?

A: Wayne Kramer, famed musician and guest lecturer, once told our class, “I am always a humbled student”. I really try to embody that within every moment of my teaching - because I am still always learning. I have continued developing patience and flexibility - certain teaching strategies will sort of pop up in the moment and I’ve learned to embrace it. I’ve become more of a person who is content with being in the present, instead of constantly planning for the future (but finding a balance, of course!). Being a teaching artist has given me deeper connections to my students than I ever thought possible - and in return, my students teach me more than words could describe.

Q: What do you personally gain as a teaching artist, arts facilitator?

A: I still can’t believe that this is the work that I do - I never thought my work could be this fun. I have gained a HUGE sense of gratitude towards the amazing people I get to work alongside and to the students that I get to know. I also end up surprising myself with new skills that I learn, whether it be artistic or educational or anywhere in between. I truly never thought that I would be a teacher, but I gain a bit of confidence each day that I’m in the classroom because that is where I feel most comfortable.

Q: What are the benefits to you as a student/graduate in the UCLA VAPAE program? Was this program a good choice for you? If so, why?

A: Yes! Very, very good choice! Truthfully, a part of me resented the large size of UCLA and how there are so many people. VAPAE is where I found a second home, where I spent my Thursday nights. The educators in VAPAE are accessible and authentic, and the lessons I have learned in the classes I’ve taken have really shaped me to the person I’m growing into. I have had absolutely incredible opportunities in my time here, and it would not have been possible if it were not for my participation in VAPAE.

Q: Are there any anecdotes from your VAPAE Studio Sessions (or Arts Education Teaching Sequence) that stand out to you? Perhaps you had a break‐through with a student or saw some particularly noticeable growth in that student through this program, collaboration etc. Maybe something surprised you or made you think about art or teaching in a new way.

A: I believe that I used this as a sample video for my Arts Ed teaching sequence portfolio - but there was this moment where I had said a joke to the class while teaching, subsequently all began giggling, and the moment I brought them back to the lesson this massive silence fell upon the room. In that moment, I recognized that I alone had built not only a rapport with 35 6th graders, but had also gained their respect and intrigue. They were so inquisitive about the lesson that day, it was so amazing and satisfying that I felt I was on the right track.

Q: What are your short-term and long‐term career goals?

A: I think I have a hard time with this question because there is just so much that I would like to do, that I haven't figured out yet how to actually articulate it. However, I will try! I know that now I have graduated I would really like to return to my artistic and musical practices, as well as develop better foreign language skills. I studied Spanish for quite a while and feel it would be tremendously useful. I suppose those are my short term goals. As far as long term, I really see myself continuing in arts education - either involved with art therapy, or museum education, or working with incarcerated/marginalized youth. At this point, I'm excited and ready to try anything within the field.

#uclavapae #teachingartist

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