Intern Diaries & Creative Journeys: Finding Myself in Art
Hello besties!!
Welcome to the new chapter of my week. There was a lot of reflection and creativity this week. I have genuinely enjoyed working on design projects for class, which have taken up a lot of my time, especially in Photoshop. Building a piece from the ground up, playing with textures, and seeing it gradually evolve into something that feels like me is satisfying.
In addition, my internship is still a never-ending source of inspiration and knowledge. Daily exposure to art keeps me inspired, and I see that I'm paying more attention, posing better queries, and developing a closer bond with the artwork and those around it.
I've been considering how my identities as an artist mesh with that of my friends, spouse, intern, and student. I can better explore my inner world as an artist. It helps me better understand how I feel and express things that I can't always express verbally. Strangely enough, though, it also makes me more gregarious. I can start conversations and contribute something meaningful thanks to art. This week, I've had several wonderful ones—honest, impulsive, and occasionally even sentimental. And I love that.
Additionally, I would want to share some of my Photoshop design work with you all; each item transported me to a different mental location. When I'm creating, time seems to fly by. I would be sitting in front of my computer for five hours straight without even realizing it until I looked up. I can only focus like that when I'm truly invested in something. It seemed like a tiny journey both inner and outward with each layer and edit.
The Self-Portrait project, which was our second assignment, was one of my favorites; I thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with it. I combined the qualities I adore most about each other into a single piece. I smiled when I saw them side by side on the same sheet. It seemed to be a genuine representation of who I am, not just how I appear.
I tapped into two aspects of myself for the book design endeavor. The first, Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage, was a tribute to my love of romance and western themes. I really enjoyed portraying that cozy, dusty, small-town atmosphere. The second was The Picture of Dorian Gray, which is among my all-time favorite masterpieces. I wanted to go further because I know the story so well—not merely rework the cover, but truly capture the spirit of the book. That exquisite, unsettling tension. I want people to sense that something eerie is about to happen when they look at the cover.
I've also included my most recent readings here; don't worry, I realize they're books. But really, they play a significant role in my week. As is my custom at this point, I'm going to finish the Chestnut Springs series—yes, read them out of sequence as usual. I'm now obsessed with Flawless, and if you know me, you already know that I have a serious western thing. Like, really, really. Cowboys, dust, denim, and a bit of drama? Speak less.
Whitespace Gallery is, in my opinion, this summer's biggest reward. I'm so grateful to be able to touch the dusty, meticulously wrapped artworks that contain so much history and emotion, as well as breathe that peaceful, imaginative, and little magical air. I feel as though I'm learning, developing, and simply taking everything in right where I should be.
Before I leave, I would like to share my most recent piece of art, Girl with a Bow. During everything else this summer, she came to life and subtly emerged as one of my faves. She exudes a combination of strength and tenderness. Perhaps she is also a little bit of me. Dust, color, books, and long hours have all been a part of my summer, but there have also been many little, priceless moments that have served as a reminder of why I do what I do. I'm eager to see where everything goes next.
I'm grateful for the song you sent me, Cody; it inspired me and helped me write a new song I wasn't even aware I needed to write. There is a secret, a tiny feeling entangled in the lines of every hair I sketched in that piece of art. It served as a reminder of the potency of music and connection, as well as the fact that inspiration can occasionally appear subtly through sympathetic individuals.
See you all next week!
