I held off on writing a post last month. There's just been so much going on and it felt best to take the time to reflect and acclimate to everything that's been happening.
It's been a very inspiring couple of months. In some ways it feels like years have passed since I wrote my last post about releasing an EP. This whole whirlwind of social injustice, politics, and a global pandemic to boot. It can become very exhausting to keep track of it all. Every day feels like it brings a different challenge, and I feel like ignoring any small detail is extremely foolish especially in a time like this.
I don't intend on turning this post into a political rant, but there are a few things that I think are important to touch on before talking about my personal work. I'm sure these points are obvious to most of you, but it doesn't hurt to have a quick refresher!
BLACK LIVES MATTER
This cannot be stressed enough. Justice needs to be served; there needs to be accountability for over 400 years of oppression, and this needs to happen NOW. Tearing down the monuments is a start in showing solidarity, but at the end of the day, that's not the change that's going to repair these damages.
Living in the middle of it all-- the riots, the protests, the town hall meetings, and what's been covered on the news-- is transformative. It's clear to me that this has always been a peaceful protest, and there's nothing that will be done to silence America until justice is served.
The work being done on the front lines and behind the scenes of BLM protests genuinely gives me hope for the future.
Seeing the large masses of people take to the streets and march for what is right...
Seeing groups of families camped out at the Lee statue, day in and day out, even under the presence of danger and police brutality...
We all continue to persevere and it's honorable, to say the very least.
Even though the protests have began to dwindle, the momentum is still strong and carrying on in different ways. I am certain change will come.
If nothing happens going forward, then when will it happen? What else will it take, more senseless killings, more inequity?
The whole world is listening, and the majority stands in solidarity.
2. WEAR A MASK
Please show mutual respect for your neighbors.
Advice from someone who has worked in the service industry for over half a decade:
We don't know if you or your friends/family are potentially carrying COVID-19; telling me "oh I'm good, you don't have to worry about me" as a ploy to not wear your mask does not make me feel any safer and further circulates the problem we are facing.
We come in contact with all kinds of strangers on a daily basis. This can be a bit worrisome, especially due to the nature of delayed symptom development. I cannot guarantee my own safety, my families safety when I come home from work, and frankly, any one else's safety.
The least that you can do is wear a mask and clean your hands upon entering an establishment. Don't touch unnecessary surfaces, don't touch what you aren't going to buy. Masks may not be the "be all end all" to this virus, but they sure as hell help.
This is a hard time for us. We are struggling. It's one thing that there is a deadly virus spreading like wildfire and you want to eat at restaurants and grab drinks at a bar and people want to senselessly put others lives at risk, but it's a whole 'nother ball game when you don't even tip. Come on y'all, just don't be that person.
In closing, just wear the damn thing!
3. BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER
Being rude or inconsiderate hasn't helped anything in the past, and it certainly won't help anything now. Everyone's going through it. Try and make someones day when you can. Something as simple as a joke or a compliment. I've noticed a significant shift in peoples attitudes, more consideration, friendliness, and compassion towards one another. This has helped A LOT. I think it's very important in a time like this to remain as positive as you can and do your best to help raise the spirit of those around you. So if you haven't yet, check in on your friends and family, even if you talked with them just last week.
They would be happy to hear from you.
Alright, now that I got those out of the way, a quick update on what I've been up to:
I've been back at work full-time in the meadery. It's been really nice to have some normalcy again. The people are great, the mead is even better, and the environment they've created is everything you could ask for. If it's slow, I'm free to work on my art, update my website, or what have you. When it's busy, it's become a real passion to educate our guests about what we do and expand horizons for so many by trying different things. I honestly love everything about that place and I'm looking forward to see how we'll continue to grow going forward.
I've also spent a good deal of time creating work for friends recently! I'll share when the time comes. Confidentiality, red lining.
I'm actively accepting commissions around the clock and prioritizing them on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you or any friends are looking for a printer/illustrator, feel free to let me know if I could be of assistance!
Other than that, there really isn't much news left to print.
I've come to the realization that I've been neglecting my music recently. I've been spending a good amount of time trying to plan out the course of action for my next project which will be a real milestone for me-- a debut solo album. Once things start to get going, I'll release some demos here and there, so look forward to that in the nearish future. Until then, I have some printing to do. It's looking like another original design (or two) are on the horizon. A series of RVA building prints alongside an odd conception that came to me in a dream.
I hope y'all are doing well.
A recurring sentiment to leave you with-- this too shall pass, and we're all in this together. Be good to yourselves, to your fellow human beings, and to your surroundings.
WE CAN BEAT 2020!
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