First of all, Nikki gathered me just now and I didn't even know this was a book I needed to read, so thank you.
"hoping that my position will match the mammyified version of me that lives in their calcified imaginations"
Ooof! 😮💨🤌🏾🤌🏾
My biggest fear right now is literally a blank canvas. It presents all possibility and at the same time holds every nasty fear of never measuring up. To whom, you might ask, I don't even know. When I'm in a creative slump I sit still as hard as it is. I look at beautiful things and allow my mind to wander. I engage in a measure of play that feels restorative, something tactile like playing in putty. That seems to ease the heaviness a bit.
Ironically when stuck creatively, as a visual artist I turn to words and heighten my attention to my everyday-ness. I still feel very much alone as a creative, many of these authors have quieted that idea in my head when I engage with their works and life.
I like this concept of mindfulness in the quotidian, AK. Our creative acts, the moves we make are solitary but we have to remember that we are not in a silo. As always, thanks for the reminder...much needed and appreciated 🖤
You are not alone. Your words, I imagine, have resonated with many of us. Though I can only speak for myself when I say thank you for reminding me that while there is a struggle - whatever shape that takes - it’s worth it. It’s always worth it. For yourself, for your words, for your identity, for humanity. It’s worth it.
💡💡💡Thank you for sharing some amazing reads! I especially love seeing black women writers in community, it's inspiring! When I'm in a creative funk, I usually sleep, pray, and avoid writing until I cant take it and all the words come out. Usually with the first two, I'll end up on a song or show or a movie or something that lets me hear what I needed to for that moment, and lets me know everything is fine and in time.
I’m going to keep your list “sleep, pray, avoid writing until I cant take it...” with me during this process. Glad you enjoy the list. Black women/femme model so many possibilities for a future of collective action, can’t wait to finish!
First of all, Nikki gathered me just now and I didn't even know this was a book I needed to read, so thank you.
"hoping that my position will match the mammyified version of me that lives in their calcified imaginations"
Ooof! 😮💨🤌🏾🤌🏾
My biggest fear right now is literally a blank canvas. It presents all possibility and at the same time holds every nasty fear of never measuring up. To whom, you might ask, I don't even know. When I'm in a creative slump I sit still as hard as it is. I look at beautiful things and allow my mind to wander. I engage in a measure of play that feels restorative, something tactile like playing in putty. That seems to ease the heaviness a bit.
I didn't know how much I needed to read this.... woah, hit hard. I'm ready to play now! Thank you for sharing your words. <3
🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
💡💡💡
Ironically when stuck creatively, as a visual artist I turn to words and heighten my attention to my everyday-ness. I still feel very much alone as a creative, many of these authors have quieted that idea in my head when I engage with their works and life.
I like this concept of mindfulness in the quotidian, AK. Our creative acts, the moves we make are solitary but we have to remember that we are not in a silo. As always, thanks for the reminder...much needed and appreciated 🖤
Ain’t nothing like Nikki to tell it to us just like it is. If you’re not gonna quit PLAY! Play all the way.
Please thank the girl who is writing for herself for hitting publish. It’s all a practice. Thank you for sharing yours ✨🖤💡
She read me girl! Read me down. Thankful for your readership 🖤
You are not alone. Your words, I imagine, have resonated with many of us. Though I can only speak for myself when I say thank you for reminding me that while there is a struggle - whatever shape that takes - it’s worth it. It’s always worth it. For yourself, for your words, for your identity, for humanity. It’s worth it.
We have to be courageous right now and always - and i have to remind myself that I’m not alone. Thank you.
“I cannot treat my traumas a premonition.“
I’m going to sit with this one for a long time. Thank you. ❤️
I made a tile with that as a quote to share on socials. 🖤
💡💡💡Thank you for sharing some amazing reads! I especially love seeing black women writers in community, it's inspiring! When I'm in a creative funk, I usually sleep, pray, and avoid writing until I cant take it and all the words come out. Usually with the first two, I'll end up on a song or show or a movie or something that lets me hear what I needed to for that moment, and lets me know everything is fine and in time.
I’m going to keep your list “sleep, pray, avoid writing until I cant take it...” with me during this process. Glad you enjoy the list. Black women/femme model so many possibilities for a future of collective action, can’t wait to finish!