A photo diary & open calls for Memoriver Radio
In this newsletter:
Life lately
Picture diary
Open calls to Memoriver Radio
Life Lately
Every morning, I lay in the dark hearing our cats demand their breakfast. I have three hours before work, and I don’t have a typical routine. Sometimes I have gongfu-style tea, instant decaf coffee, a walk around the neighborhood, a short meditation, journal, or work on an art project. I haven’t had a consistent morning ritual, but I dread going to the office because I have to mask myself, requiring extra effort. Remote jobs are more competitive than ever. But a steady paycheck supports my livelihood, from my mental health to my creative projects to managing debt.
After work, I look forward to zoning out or immersing myself in a TV show. Some brain rot time. But, but, but— I end up working on my creative projects since there are deadlines. I’m grateful for these deadlines because it also means this phase will end and I can hibernate.
I used to think I was good at slowing down and adding spaciousness in my life, even when I had multiple clients. Or maybe it’s not about being “good” or “bad” at it all. I think I need to reframe this approach as breathing air, drinking water, eating — it’s all necessary. These days, I look forward to the right to rest. A full weekend without plans? Or maybe fully immersed in nature with basic needs met? Yes, please. But I also enjoy working on my projects and collaborations.
This is the life of a creative practitioner with a creative day job.
A Photo Diary & Journaling
I bought a pocketbook binder as a low-stakes trial of keeping a photo diary. There’s no theme. Each day passes by and I forget, so I wanted to try putting this together for visual cues of what has happened in my life. It’s the original Instagram in physical form.
I also started journaling again — and with two journals. One journal is for releasing all thoughts and feelings, and then I transfer anything about my creative process to the other journal. This is a new method for me, as I’ve tried other obvious methods in the past but it became too much and too messy.
Memoriver Radio Open Calls: Co-Hosts and Music
✨I’m presenting a re-imagined iteration of Memoriver Radio at Other Places Art Fair on September 27 in San Pedro, California. Memoriver Radio is a pop-up sonic capsule where strangers, passersby, and community members are invited to share a memory, a story, a poem, or some thoughts through recorded audio. 👀 For this round, I’m looking for a few volunteer co-hosts who’d like to help carry conversations with folks who wander in. When no one’s at the mic, the capsule drifts into music and sounds. 🎶 I’m putting together a playlist of ambient, slow, and easy sounds (field recordings welcome!) to fill the in-between moments.
The conversations and music will be broadcast live (audio only, and if my hotspot can handle it). It will also be recorded and available after OPaf.
🗓️ The deadline is Friday, September 12th. Micro honoraria will be distributed to selected co-hosts and artists. There are only two co-host spots left!
Looking forward to doing this experiment with you. 🌀
Sincerely,
Stepfanie