One-Point Perspective Art Class (Apex For Youth)

I had the opportunity to lead a virtual art class for elementary students through Apex For Youth. It has been a minute since I had volunteered with the organization so I was thrilled to help out and put on my creative hat to develop an one-hour class.

After toying with several possible topics to cover, I settled on exploring the principles of one-point perspective and using those concepts to create three-dimensional letters. I thought the kids would gravitate towards seeing how their names could look 3D with simple techniques.

Trying to keep young kids engaged can be tricky online, I mean, I get bored on some Zoom calls. So it was really helpful to do a practice rehearsal with Tra, the volunteer coordinator.

Here are a few slides from the presentation:

The class was really well-received. And, as a naturally shy person, I was mindful to keep my energy level high and upbeat (but not too upbeat) when presenting. I am always reminded of Beyonce, who says she transforms into Sasha Fierce when she is performing.

The class was the perfect marriage of art, education, and serving the community. I am so glad I reached out to Tra to see if there were an opportunities for me to teach. It never hurts to ask, right? Let’s hope there will be many more classes to come.

Painting tiny bears to relieve my anxiety during Covid-19

I am writing this during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. A few weeks into New York City’s stay-at-home order, I quickly realized I needed some sort of creative outlet while we are all trying to do our part by staying home and socially distance. Complaining about cabin fever eventually made me feel ungrateful when I see how our frontline workers are literally risking their lives to fight this pandemic. I got myself some clay, a gummy bear mold and have been making and painting a couple bears each day. This project has really helped to calm my nerves – I feel peaceful when I paint and each one of these bears has made me smile.

Wear A Mask, Not A Chin Guard

I have been watching New York Governor’s Cuomo’s daily briefings to keep up-to-date on COVID-19 – I love his no bullshit approach to delivering the important information. Tuning in everyday has helped me to be informative and somewhat calm my anxious feelings about the virus.

I am so perplexed how wearing a mask has become such a controversial topic. I would think we would all want to do our part to collectively stop the spread of the virus. When I saw the governor’s PSA on masking wearing, it made me so sad that he has to talk to us like his misbehaving children, but it also made my laugh so hard. I must have watched this clip about 20 times.

His message is simple:
WEAR A MASK, COVERING THE NOSE AND MOUTH

I was inspired by the hilarious lip-sync impression videos from comedian Sarah Cooper. All I have is time now with sheltering-in-place at home so decided to put my memory to the test (which is not great) and created my own version with Governor Cuomo’s wise and humorously pointed words.

I’ll say it again, wear a mask. Yes, it’s super annoying, hard to breathe in and mine gets super damp from all the huffing and puffing in this summer heat, but let’s all do our part to stop this virus.

Team Issa ♥ Lawrence

I spent this past Sunday afternoon listening to all the tea on the Shane Dawson/Jeffree Star drama while illustrating my current favorite TV couple - Issa and Lawrence from HBO’s Insecure. It was really fun experimenting with the different brushes and tools on Procreate while wondering what will happen to their relationship with the revelation that Condola is pregnant. Ah, I can’t wait until the next season!

Mini Floral Arrangements

I was planning to buy some flowers for my friend who is returning to Brooklyn after being on the West Coast since March, but when I saw these in my craft box I knew they would make for the perfect ‘welcome home’ gift.

As I have written many times on this blog, I try my best to refrain from buying unnecessary things and find joy in figuring out ways to breathe new life into unwanted/old objects. So naturally I got very excited by the idea of giving these flowers a makeover and a new home.

Originally, I was planning to make one arrangement, but decided to make a trio of mini arrangements with some glass tubes I had around the apartment. I think they turned out so darling and cute! They make me smile.