Seeking Stillness in Vineyard Haven

November 2020

Reminiscing 2020-- Isabella Gardner Museum

“There are moments which mark your life. Moments when you realize nothing will ever be the same and time is divided into two parts, before this, and after this.

Sometimes you can feel such a moment coming.”

— John Hobbes, “Fallen”

It wasn't any ordinary Monday afternoon at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, MA. It was a Frank Hatch Free Day, inviting whole families and local college students alike to fill the museum's beautiful spaces and inner courtyard to enjoy an immersive day of hands-on art-making and gallery games, live music and performances, and engaging collaborations and conversation projects.

As it also happened to be President's Day, I had the day off from school and I just couldn't miss it! And I guess neither did the hundreds of fellow art lovers who showed up to the Gardner Museum that afternoon. I vividly remember the line that wrapped around the building, and giddy college students (like myself) and jumpy toddlers impatiently waiting to get inside.

But as overcrowded as the Isabella Gardner Museum was on that day, there was also this tangible heaviness that filled the museum's rooms and courtyard. Quiet whispers, far-off gazes, and careful footsteps that moved about the space. I shoudl also point out that this was around a time when we were passively monitoring the slow rise of Covid-19 cases throughout Asia and Europe but couldn’t be bothered with self-monitoring or taking precautions, and wouldn't hear of the first confirmed case in the US for another 10 days.

So yeah, there was a looming sensation in the air. This strange awareness that something was coming. We didn't know when, where, or how long it would last for that matter. But we collectively chose to set aside our worries and embrace the moment. Taking it all in- the art, furniture, flowers, stories, music, convos, and fun with friends.

A whole year later and I am still unable to describe that strange feeling that, I am certain, a number of visitors in the rooms also felt that overcrowded Monday afternoon. But I do hope that the following images will render this ode to the 'old normal' some justice. A fleeting moment after which nothing would ever be the same.

I also hope that this quote from Annie F. Down's new book "That Sounds Fun" helps you as you navigate and internalize the photos.

“We feel something lacking in our lives. We sense that this place in us that used to be filled just isn't anymore, even on our best days. It may just be a squeak sometimes, but other days it is a roar in our ears that something has been lost and we don't know how to find it. And won't be able to find it. But we miss it. Because we know it used to be filled.

What is that thing? What are we missing that makes us feel its loss?”

— Annie F. Downs, That Sounds Fun

Reminiscing 2020- Carolina Caycedo⁣: Cosmotarrayas

On this day last year, I discovered the amazing works of interdisciplinary artist, Carolina Caycedo, while frolicking about ICA Boston, and I just wanted to take a moment to reminisce on beautiful art created during simpler times. Enjoy x

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COSMOTARRAYAS— a series of hanging sculptures that are assembled with handmade fishing nets and other objects collected during field research in river communities affected by the privatization of waterways, particularly in Latin American countries such as Brazil or Colombia.

These objects, many of which were entrusted to [Caycedo] by individuals no longer able to use them, demonstrate the meaningful connectivity and exchange at the heart of Caycedo’s practice.

Ósun (2018) & Flying Massachusetts (2020)

Limen (2019)

"Futura Akari" (2021), The Noguchi Museum

january 2021

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Last week, during a brief stay in New York City, I just had to drop by the Noguchi Museum, a Japanese sculptural safe-haven located in Queens, NY. Founded and designed by the late influential sculptor, Isamu Noguchi, the name-sake museum preserves and beautifully displays Noguchi's sculptural legacy, including his architectural models, stage designs, and furniture designs.

I actually discovered the Noguchi Museum about two years ago, while frolicking about the city with a friend during a sponsored school trip. While searching for things to do in the area, we located this hidden gem that was just about 10 mins away and hurried over. I've been reminiscing about our last visit for the past two years and impatiently awaiting my next trip to the city, just so I could visit a second time. So when I finally found myself, yet again, just about 15 mins down the road, I just had tooo!!!

And of course, the Noguchi did not disappoint. I especially enjoyed their current ‘Futura Akari’ exhibition. This exhibition features a curation of Akari light sculptures designed by Isamu Noguchi throughout the span of his career (c. 1952-86) and hand-painted by American graffiti pioneer, FUTURA2000, in 2020.

Futura is an influential graffiti writer and contemporary artist known as early as the 1970s for his radical approach to street art. Futura, like Noguchi, has unapologetically crossed boundaries and created DOPE radical work, using various mediums, including canvas, paper, sculpture, photography, graphic design, large-scale mural work, etc. I can't believe I am just discovering Futura, but I am thankful that he has ignited this fire in me to create freely, boldly, radically, and unapologetically. Like YES, and thank you!!

‘Futura Akari’ is on view through February 28th, 2021. Visit Noguchi Museum’s official website to read Futura's full artist feature or reserve tickets.

ALSO, I mean... if you were wondering what would make a perfect studio-warming gift... I guess the Akari 1A or the Akari 9A .. whichever one tbh... would really liven up the space and make my heart glad... just putting it out there... Thank youuu!

Please enjoy these photos that I captured of the “Futura Akari” exhibition. This show brought me much joy, solace, and enlightenment, and I am so glad I got to see it in person.

a much needed escape to mansion house, vineyard haven

11.09.20

This past week, my mother, youngest Leekah, and I (missed yoouu Laetitia) spent the past week "resting"  at the Mansion House Inn & Spa in Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard. I say "resting" because well... it was election week and... need I say more? Nevertheless, in spite of the stress-induced week that we all (literally all of us) just experienced with the 120 hrs long Election day, it felt a bit comforting to navigate the past week in a space that wasn't just somewhere away from home, but quickly became our safe haven.

In this post, I share my thoughts on our stay at Mansion House, as well as the few images that I captured during our stay.

Price

Rates at the Mansion House vary depending on whether a stay is booked during peak or off-season. Thankfully it is currently off-season on the island, therefore we got prices that are at a fraction of peak season prices ($350+/night). Currently, street-view rooms average at about out at $150+/ per night and $200+/ per night for harbor-view. Not to mention, they were running a "one extra night free with a 3-night stay" special that I just had to take advantage of. We stayed in a harbor view room and the peaceful sunrises and dreamy sunsets were absolutely worth it.

Food

Unfortunately, due to current restrictions, Mansion House only offered limited dining options. For breakfast, they provided a limited selection of breakfast items, including coffee/tea, muffins, fresh fruits, etc. We are not really a breakfast clan so that was satisfactory for us.

Staff

The staff at Mansion House was so kind and welcoming. From our call over the phone to book our stay, we already knew we were in good hands! The staff was very attentive and dedicated to ensuring that we really enjoyed every minute of our stay. It felt great to be well taken care of by the entire staff at Mansion House.

Location

Mansion House is situated in what I would deem a conveniently central location, Surrounded by various coffee shops, restos, gift shops, vintage stores, etc. Mansion house is a mere 5-10 min walk from the Vineyard Haven ferry station. And just across the street are the post-office, Stop and Shop, and other convenience stores. Hint: there is a cute little harbor-side park right up the road on Norton Ave., literally a 10 min walk from the hotel. In case you need an escape during your stay. Somewhere to breathe and recenter.

Getting around Vineyard Haven, in my opinion, is pretty easy. Well, that is if one overlooks the fact that 8 out of 10 streets are one-way, so you'll find yourself driving in circles quite regularly.

Tips

• If you love to people-watch, get a street-view room. The main street is very high traffic, so you would really appreciate spending a few minutes (hours) on the balcony (on a cool morning) watching the world slowly come to life at the crack of dawn. I am a sucker for both a quiet, peaceful rise and also the light buzz of the morning commute, so I'm indifferent. I did thoroughly enjoy the harbor-view from our balcony, with the beautiful sunrise/sunsets, and peaceful sounds of the water, and the ferry arriving at the station at night. But I am excited to book a street-view room during our next stay (because we are def going back!).

• The rooms conveniently come with a retractable clothing line in the shower, which was very useful for drying our clothes overnight after our pool escapades the first night we got there. [The nap afterward was immaculate btw!]

• I really enjoyed the little routine I developed of grabbing a large iced coffee, toasted croissant and butter, and fresh macarons from the little French bakery across the street every morning. I really miss those warm, fresh croissants. And the staff was very kind and welcoming. Really enjoyed chopping it up with the ladies for a bit as I scarfed down chocolate macarons. Pure bliss.

One unique thing

The one unique thing about Mansion House that really stoodout to me is its accessibility. As I've already alluded to, Mansion House is conveniently situated in the "heart" of Vineyard Haven. Honestly just drive all the way down Main Street, there is so much to see between the beautiful homes, shops, and waterfront park nooks.

Connecting with the Locals

This wouldn't be a complete review if I didn't mention my experience with the local community in Vineyard Haven and MV at large, right?!

The locals were so kind, respectful, approachable!!! Like people greet you in the street, smile wave, and are quick to answer questions or give directions. On our last day, some lady literally stopped her car for quick banter about our stay and went on to help us capture a cute lil family photo. And we experienced this generosity everywhere on the island in restaurants, convenience stores, parks everywhere. This place is legit magical.

For more details & to inquire about a stay, head to their site Mansion House Inn

1.508.693.2200

Mansion House Inn & Spa

9 Main Street Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard

I want to create from a place of me.

November 2019

This post is a study of my interaction with, Argentinian Multidisciplinary Artist, Vivian Suter's solo exhibition that is currently on view at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)-- Boston, Ma. This reflection summarizes how I experienced, interpreted and internalized Vivian's work. This is me sharing the lessons that I've learned from it and hope to incorporate into my own practice.

Vivian's work is real

it is raw

and it speaks to me.

It is a gentle reminder of the whole concept of "l'art pour l'art"-- art for the sake of art, and reaffirms that I must create from a place of freedom, curiosity, realness, and wholeness.

This show resonated with me so deeply. I admire the vibrant colors and how Vivian incorporates nature, earth, and her environment into the work that she creates. It's one thing to see photos online and how others have captured them, but when you go yourself and see these gigantic canvases in person, it is a breath-taking experience. The perfectly imperfect paint strokes, paw prints, leaves, twigs, scratches, splashed, rain stains, etc. So real, so raw. Each canvas telling a different story. Each approaching a whole different narrative.

Vivian's work is avant-garde.

It is a free, beautiful, captivating, breath of fresh air, and it completely redefined “art” for me and how it is "supposed to be" created.

I always thought that the artist has to go on a sabbatical and lock themselves in their studio for decades to create their masterpieces. But Vivian listens to herself. She will start her a new painting inside, and if her intuition tells her that it's a beautiful day to paint outside, she'll drag the huge canvas outside and continue with the work. And I just admire the freedom that she expresses.

I am obviously no painter (well, you never know.. maybe one day), but I am an artist and I want to also "paint a picture" through the work that I create- both literally through photography and art direction and figuratively through my writing. I want to paint a picture that is real, raw, the best representation of me, my beliefs and values, what matters to me, and what I stand for. I want my work to tell my story.

Thank you, Vivian, for reminding me that I should create from a place of love, curiosity, realness, wholeness.

A place of me- and not necessarily what art history or the digital age has told me that "art" is.

A place where I've internalized the whole concept of art, defined it for myself, and am now creating from a place of best.

A place where I am creating in my genius.

A place that means something to me.

Thank you, sis.