Greetings from Durham. I don’t know if it was me, but this was one of the longest summers I can remember. I worked on and off for most of it and I just wanted to pause, reflect and share a few highlights from summer 2020.
Teaching & Learning
1. So like I said I spent lots of time teaching at The Durham Arts Council this summer. One of the themes I was most excited for was Ecuador (my mama is from there). As you can see I went a bit mad with the picture books (above) for this two week adventure. So, lots of “fun” reading for me!
2. Sloths. We created a few projects but these were a kid favorite. It was an honor to teach about my culture.
3. At the end of every summer we are asked to make suggestions for themes and Singapore was one of mine (um, so was Ecuador). It was a pleasure to share my husband’s heritage with such an enthusiastic group.
4. Got to do more fun reading for the Pop-Art mini camp!
5. Sometimes I derail from my plans and just go with what inspires me at the moment. These cardboard necklaces turned out to be one of my favorite lessons.
6. I swear I think I always learn more than I teach (shhhh). I bumped into this sculpture while in NYC and later realized she was one of a few recognized female pop artist. You can read more about her here!
7. Another “aha” moment was learning about Niki de Saint Phalle and realizing I had seen her work in person before. Her story is quite incredible. I am always in awe of women who overcome great challenges and find healing and respite through art. Read a bit more about her here.
Art
8. I started and completed the 100 day project. I decided to create a hundred 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ mixed media abstracts. I started this thing in April and it took me way over 100 days. Note to self: probably don’t do that again…
Americana Hispana II
Oil on stretched canvas with tapestry
9. I had the honor and pleasure of participating in “Herencia 2019”; a group art exhibit featuring latino/a artists in the area.
10. Went back to my “every day” journal. I think I work in seasons. When I’m teaching that’s teaching season & when I’m arting that’s art making season. Still trying to get a practice going for all seasons…
Durham & Beyond
11. Took a little road trip to see family in Brooklyn. I always love a walk in Greenwood Cemetery.
12. Had an early birthday dinner at one of our favorite Brooklyn restaurants, Ponte Vecchio. Ended the evening with some cocktails at Cebu (I used to hostess here when I lived around the corner).
13. Most of my time in NYC was spent visiting uncles and cousins. I did sneak out one night… 😉
14. and had one of the best slices I’ve had in years!!! I still think about this pizza…
15. The weather was amazing in New York. Great for walking and wandering. So, I woke up early on a Monday morning and went on a solo art date to the Whitney Biennial.
16. One of my goals for next summer is to get a grill and use it lots. I went to a total of one BBQ this summer. Thanks Kathy and Bryan.!
17. I normally do not go out on a school night, but I had to go see Aterciopelados at Cat’s Cradle in Carborro with this lovely lady.
18. People, I tried my first pupusa ever. Delicious! Like if an empanada and an arepa had a baby 🙂
19. One of the perks of teachign at The Durham Arts Council is that I’m surrounded by art. I got a sneak peak of DAG’s Juried exhibition on my last day of teaching. So much good stuff! It’s up until October 12th.
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