Glazing Ring Holders, Collaging Acorns, and Creative Labels

On creative labels and documentation as an art form

Rethinking creative labels

If you’re thinking that my newsletter looks different, that’s because it does! I’ve been working on a more structured version of this newsletter with sections for different topics, along with twice monthly vlogs. These vlogs will take you along with me as I go to the pottery studio and spend time collaging, all while sharing my creative thoughts with you.

One thought I’ve been having lately is how we artists label ourselves. It was a no brainer as an Illustration graduate to label myself as an illustrator. It made finding and getting jobs easier and was a convenient way to explain what I do to people who might not know the difference between an illustrator and graphic designer. Artists, you know the struggle!

But labels can be limiting or after a while, not fit anymore. Whenever I get hung up on labels, I think about musicians like Rina Sawayama who is constantly experimented with her sound. Cyber Stockholm Syndrome sounds nothing like STFU! but they’re both bangers that I listen to on repeat in the car.

When I do find myself thinking, “Where did that rock influence come from?” it’s with excited curiosity as I’m drumming along. 🎸

So now, I’m an artist that collages and sometimes illustrates and makes ceramics. If I’m lucky, the list of things I do will keep growing with time — and me with it.

Documentation as an art form

What comes to mind when you think of documentation? For me, it used to be clunky cameras and dusty studio floors and wooden easels*. Then Instagram hit the scene and documenting things became our new way of life.

It’s where we share what we ate for lunch and our monthly photo dumps. It’s all very artsy and 2009 Livejournal if you think about it, but I had no interest in doing it myself until one of my trips to the Ogden last year.

When I was feeling stuck in my art practice, my mentor (Hey, Lindsay!) suggested going to a museum to physically connect with art again. I went to the Ogden where they were showing photos from their permanent collection called A Summer’s Prayer.

“A Summer’s Prayer examines photographs from Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s permanent collection that address themes reflected within the summer season – leisure, travel, memory and place.”

I remember seeing this photo specifically and thinking, “I’ve seen that tree!” Not that exact tree but a fruiting one just like it. I would pass it on my way to teach afterschool every day back in 2019.

Now when I record myself collaging, pull out my phone at the pottery studio, or take pictures of myself eating Cuties, I’m hoping to immortalize these every day moments that feel meaningful to me. They’re my Persimmons, 255 Beverly Drive.

*I do want that wooden easel though. Imagine the big collages I could make?!

A collection of citrus from my camera roll

Inspiration and rumination

• What’s playing in the studio: The Bald and the Beautiful podcast, which I saw live at the Orpheum in November. While it was a great show, there’s nothing like watching your favorite Drag Race icons in their natural element (a random pink room).

• Songs stuck in my head: Are You Having Any Fun? by Elaine Stritch

• What I’m looking forward to: I’m hoping to be in my first group show this year! It’s a part of my overall goal of being more involved in my local art scene. I also want to eat all of the cornichon pickles in the complementary charcuterie board. I’ll save the little cheese for you.

Pottery studio selfies, freshly fired ceramics, and hospital sleepovers with grandma

This newsletter is wordier than usual so I’ll leave you here. But not for long — Look out for my email about my first shop update of the year, including something special for my paid pals. 💌 [Edit: What a nice surprise to see both ring holders and the jewelry bowl are sold out!!! Thanks for making me and my tiny geese feel special! 🥹]

What labels are you into these days? What’s the last thing you documented, creative or otherwise? I’d love to see!

Until next time,

Jade

Music by FASSounds and Patrick A

P.S. - For my paid pals!

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