Windows to the Inside
Choosing Coziness Over Viral Fame
It always catches me by surprise. Once in a while, someone will mention to me in a conversation how they read a recent issue here on WPR. I do not study a bunch of metrics behind the scenes and obsess over how and when any of you, my dear readers, read my words.
At this point in my creative journey, I am not particularly interested in going viral. What feels more attainable and sustainable is building a cozy space in which I can express myself authentically and freely be the weird and nerdy Asian that I actually am. This is a place where I do not have to pander to or appease anyone else. My versions of beauty and depth are expressed here.
WPR is my interior garden, hidden in plain site within the vast wilderness of the World Wide Web. You can swing by any time and choose when and where to visit through your inbox.
For all the above, I am thankful when any of you can take a few minutes out of your own rich and meaningful lives to have a seat, relax, and take in my Asian persuasions for a few minutes.
Let’s peak through a window, shall we?
Spring is upon us. My garden blooms.
COLOR NOTEBOOK
I tried creating blocks of color through a grid, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There may be various grids of all sorts I will try, just for the fun of it.
Of course, I generally prefer waves, curves, and circles, and in anticipation of spring, big pops of color invoke lots of joy.
ABSTRACT FLOWERS
The abstract flowers I draw feel like oceans. They seem to flow in waves and undercurrents. I simply cannot help myself.
Contrast is my primary tool when I draw with a pencil. I try to create a microcosm with this singular device. Darkness pushes and pulls against light. It is less of a battle and more of a dance.
ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL
Have a look at a couple of recent entries in my illustrated journal. They record moments that I might otherwise forget. Each entry is a lesson in composition. How do I tell my stories? How do I connect the dots?
This entry was for the week of my mom’s big 80th birthday party last December. It was all quite festive . . .
STILL LIFE
I play music every day. My fingers create sounds, and my voice sings. It might be the most visceral of all my creative practices. It challenges and comforts me altogether.
I enter a portal when I perform a song. This grounds me in places where I do not feel alone or fearful. The vibrations I create tether me to my imagination and emotions.
I hope you have your own portal that takes you somewhere comforting and gentle.
I hope you go there often.
