Summer Reads and Gallery Whispers
Hello besties!!!
Each morning that I enter Whitespace Gallery is like entering a second home. I become energized by the room's soft hum, the way the light bounces off the walls, and the excitement of new guests. I adore being surrounded by art because of its story and aesthetic appeal. I don't take for granted the blessing of greeting people, striking up brief but meaningful discussions, and getting to know new individuals who have even a small amount of the same enthusiasm for creativity. It's satisfying to watch people's eyes brighten when they relate to a piece, as though it's speaking directly to them.
It feels good to finish my tasks at the gallery in ways I didn't anticipate when I first started. Every work feels like a piece of a larger, more significant jigsaw, whether updating the inventory, taking care of minute details behind the scenes, or simply making sure the area is cozy and friendly. One of my favorite parts of the gallery is spending time with my coworkers. Talking with them about our week, laughing over the funny little moments, or even sharing random thoughts makes the day brighter. These moments feel like tiny pockets of joy. I feel lucky to work with people who not only care about what they’re doing but also care about each other. And Susan, oh Susan—she’s the kindest boss in the world. She has this way of making everything feel calm and manageable, even when things get busy. I can’t imagine a better person to lead us.
Outside of work, I’ve been spending time with my books. Sarah Morgan’s The Summer Swap is still on my mind—it feels so warm and real. It has this realistic family vibe that feels relatable, even in its brokenness. Morgan has a gift for creating characters who feel like they could be someone you know. You can almost imagine them calling you for coffee and sharing their messy, funny, and heartfelt lives.
I’m also about to finish Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation. Oh, what can I say? I love it. Her characters are charming, witty, and full of that bittersweet energy that makes you both smile and ache a little. Emily Henry’s writing makes me want to hold on to the moments between the lines—the glances, the jokes, the hidden feelings. These books have been the perfect mix of cozy and emotional, the kind of reads that make you want to curl up in a corner with a cup of tea and forget about the world for a while.
Now, I will start reading The Fury by Alex Michaelides, a thrilling and mysterious book, and I will let you know how it goes.
Lately, though, I’ve been thinking a lot about my art. Maybe it’s because I’m still searching for my “style.” I feel like I’m walking through this creative forest, picking up little breadcrumbs—ideas, feelings, fragments—trying to see where they lead. Sometimes it feels like I’m asking myself endless questions. Why do I love drawing figures so much? What is it about the human body that fascinates me?
The answer lies in the uniqueness of each person. We are all so different. Every face, every line, every curve tells its own story. There are no copies. When I look at people—me included—I see this amazing complexity, like we’re all living sculptures. When I draw or paint, I’m not just creating shapes; I’m trying to capture a feeling, a presence, something beyond the surface. Sometimes I focus on the entire figure, other times, just the hands or the subtle head tilt. Even the smallest detail can hold so much life. Also, I would like to say that I tend to think a lot before I start my personal work. It’s almost like I must sit with the idea, turn it around, and let it grow before I even touch the paper or canvas. Once I start drawing or painting, though, everything else fades. It’s just me, the tools, and the lines coming to life. That moment—when a blank page slowly becomes a reflection of what I feel—is one of the best parts of being an artist.
I’m still figuring out who I am as an artist, and honestly, I’m okay with that. Some days, I feel lost. Other days, I feel like I’m on the edge of finding something truly mine. Maybe that’s just part of the process. Maybe the searching is what shapes us. Being at the gallery helps, too. Seeing other artists’ work and how they express themselves reminds me that there’s no one right way to create. There’s only your way, and it’s worth the patience it takes to find it.
So, this week is a mix of things I love: the gallery, the books that make me feel alive, and my endless thoughts about art. I feel grateful to live in this little world of creativity, surrounded by people who inspire me, stories that warm me, and questions that keep me moving forward.
That sums up my week, which was filled with gallery visits, cozy reading, and in-depth reflections on both people and art. I'm thankful for my small universe, where I can immerse myself in my sketching, laugh with my coworkers, and bury myself in a book. There are instances when I feel like life is nothing more than gathering these little, significant moments and tying them together like beads.
Until next week, then. I appreciate you being here and reading my rambling stories and opinions. For now, good-bye! 🌸
