Getting fired up
As January comes to an end, I like to reflect a little bit. Also, the more we feel algorithms pushing us toward more and more short form content, the more I feel a longing to rekindle my love for blogging as a soft act of rebellion. So here is my first ‘monthly review’ of sorts, to give a little peek into what I’m currently working on. I hope you like it!
My birthday is January 1st, which is always a bit of a crux to be very honest, but this year I enjoyed the calm that is the first day of the new year. Maybe because I knew it would be the calm before the storm (it’s me, I’m the storm). I’d already been out partying a few days before with a friend who has a birthday close to me, and decided that would be enough celebrating for that week. On my birthday I made an apple pie (didn’t manage to take a pic before we’d already eaten half, of course), we went for a walk, I read my book and had my mom over for some pie.
I’d taken a couple more days off to have some rest before my big plans for 2023 would kick in full force. For the past couple of years, I’ve been exploring more tangible expressions of my work; more than simply on a screen. I started shooting film and printing my work as part of my creative process. These new dimensions and forms for my work were inspiring me as if I’d just started photographing altogether. When I had my first solo exhibition by the end of 2021, I knew I wanted to share the experience of my physical works with the world and make them accessible for people to hang them on their own walls. By the end of that exhibition I sold one of the prints and was beyond excited for that work to go on its way to a collector in Germany. Then I knew to follow this excitement.
My 10 year business anniversary was coming up and I decided it would be a perfect moment to birth something new. I picked the anniversary date, January 11th, to launch my very own online print shop. If you haven’t seen it yet, have a look! Just as for my exhibitions, I took great care in choosing the right sizing, paper and framing to best represent the works. And honestly, it’s been a little bit emotional. These are pieces of my soul, and I know that if you picked up a print that you resonate with it deeply and it will bring you joy every day, as doing this work does for me. By purchasing a print you also support my calling in the most direct way. I can’t wait to see where they end up! Do send me photos when you put them up in your house, I would love to see it.
On the same day as my shop launch, I would get some scans of new work back from the lab. My go to lab is Carmencita Film Lab – they do a fantastic job in scanning my work just the way I like it and their customer service is simply the best, so I go through the slightly nerve-racking process of mailing my film to Spain every month or so. It’s worth it. I started writing a bit about the photos, but I think I might make that into a different blog post. A lot to see and a lot to say!
That weekend I was invited to do an Instagram takeover for my favourite printing service: Fotolab Kiekie. I get all my work printed by them so of course I was honoured to show their audience some of my work and process. It’s refreshing to write out what goes into making the work, as opposed to always being ‘in it’. It can give some very important perspective. Preparing this takeover is also exactly when I found I wanted to write a lot more about what I do, so here we are. During the takeover my partner and I went to see the new Museum Arnhem for some inspiration. My favourite works where these psychedelic paintings and this gorgeous photograph by Diana Blok.
Loved this psychedelic painting!
“Mother” by Diana Blok
Even though my shop is now live, development is ongoing. I still wanted to add some smaller works, but wasn’t completely satisfied with the frames they were in at the time. I went back to the framer’s to get them fresh custom frames and I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. These three babies are now available in my shop. The works are 10 by 12 centimeters and the frame is 30 by 30. They are made to invite you to come close and have an intimate moment. To converse with them in solitude. Some bigger works will also be added soon.
A lot of print talk, that has definitely been my focus this month. I’m definitely looking forward to creating a lot more this year, though. I saw someone on Twitter say that 2023 feels like 2018, and in a way it does feel like that, although I can’t really put my finger on it. There’s a strong feeling of potentiality in the air. Can you feel it too?