Feelin' Groovy

Left: "Live In Flower Power" Right: "McQueen In Bloom"

I think sometimes it is forgotten that people are allowed to be multi-faceted. Especially as my  grade is starting to tour colleges, a lot of the people I know are stressing out, feeling pressure to find their “one thing,” their defining passion in life. However, humans don’t cap-off at what major they declare; many of us have other hobbies, or even small things that make us happy, that are available to us to pursue no matter what avenue we choose to follow in life. Maybe this holistic approach is pretty obvious, but I think it’s also pretty essential to keeping us sane.

Since 9^th grade I’ve kept a sketchbook. I do other art too, but my sketchbook is the most consistent form I create. In my Drawing and Painting class, our sketchbooks were a part of the course requirement and at first I treated it as such. But after three years of doing it, I can honestly say that its one of my favorite parts of the week; after a hectic day, downloading my thoughts through a collage or drawing while listening to Beach House on my iPod is really calming.

I made all of these particular entries in this blog post over Spring Break. Spring always makes me the happiest because it is a 24/7 manifestation of flower power, literally and figuratively.

In the center of the left-side drawing is a 1960’s paper disk that I found laying in a suitcase strewn by the garbage on my way to the Avenue A flea market, when I was there recently with my friend Lyris.

Left: "Self-Portrait In Flower Power" Right: "The Music Tree"

Left: "Checker Board Queen" Right: "Hearts of Palm"

Once, when I was in a craft store, I bought a spin-art machine on a whim, convincing myself that it was a real “investment piece” (WHICH I STILL STAND BY!).  The drawing on the left has a spin art piece that I made using the machine. 

Left: "Grandma Aphrodite" Right: "The Heartness Monster"

Vintage flower power dress, L.L. Bean backpack

I've also been wearing these necklaces I made in arts club lately. The first one says “TURTLENECK,” because I love wearing turtlenecks! Turtlenecks are also rather dashing/European/funny/attractive-looking. I can't think of one  guy that I like that hasn't had a turtleneck moment: James Franco,  Harry Potter, Andy Warhol, Simon and Garfunkel. Earlier this year, I also started a somewhat-imaginary band with my friends called The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlenecks, so the necklace is kind of a joke about that too. The other necklace I made says “UGLY BETTY,” because it’ll always be one of my favorite TV shows and in the back of my mind when I do things in the fashion industry. 

         I also recently made these smiley face plastic earrings!

Follow me on Twitter @emmaedition