Hello my babies,
This week at Studio Freelove, in-studio artists had the chance to partake in the studio's first monthly in-progress art critique. Though all works were in progress, seeing the pieces everyone was working on let me understand what story or idea each artist wanted to portray in their art.
Later in the week, Studio Freelove collaborated with The Apartment Chicago and hosted a pop-up concert. Though I couldn't attend, I have only heard good things from my fellow artists from the collective about their experiences that night. Performances were electric, and adorable animal hats worn by the performers that put a smile on everyone's face were the unspoken highlight of the night.
Two artists, Hasani and Ryder, are on the hot seat this week as we cover what they're up to!
This next message may incite a riot, and I ask those standing to sit for this next message,
There is an upcoming SEWING EVENT *AIR HORN NOISE*
Artists in the studio were able to showcase their in-progress work in a gallery-style setting, set for critique.
The pieces ranged from small-scale metal work, large-scale fiber arts, a drag performance, watercolor, painted canvas, digital work, collage art, and more.
Group critique offers artists a chance to gain a different perspective on how their pieces may be perceived and creative intel on how their work may be improved.
Peer review is never necessary, but the benefit of being a part of a collective is having access to new ideas and different perspectives. Expanding how you think about your own art can push you further as an artist. Your art grows with you.
Studio Freelove x The Apartment Chicago
The pop-up music performance at Studio Freelove was a space for creatives to collect, converse, and enjoy live music from artists Reggie Pearl and Pao B. LIly.
Events like these help build and expand community for creatives. Exposure to new ideas and expression is what keeps creativity alive.
Hasani
Working on a series of drawings called “72 transformations”. A collection of comic book/pop art style drawings based on his first interactions with art within adolescence. A superhero poster seen in passing inspired him to create something as eye-catching and grand. He is creating a piece that perhaps would inspire a younger version of himself, encapsulating his feelings from the moment he stood and gazed at art for the first time. “72 Transformations” references his favorite folk lore character “Sun Wukong”, a Taoist deity. Deemed the “Monkey King," Sun Wukong was the god of tricksters that could take on 72 different forms, whichever was best fit to help him conquer the situations he was dealt with. Hasani’s collection follows this same idea of transformation and evolution. Each drawing serves as a self-portrait, reflecting an era of his life that brings the viewer through the journey himself, not just as an artist but as a person who creates.
Apart from this current piece, all of Hasani’s art is a self-expression of his experiences.
Ryder
Currently editing photos from a recent photoshoot for a client needing headshots and professional photos for her personal blog. They primarily use the studio space as a third space to clear their head, as Ryder is also working on script writing for an upcoming short film - a political satire piece commenting on Right-wing news media.
Although this is more a specific topic to cover, Ryder finds inspiration from director and screenwriter Jim Jarmusch. Who had his hand in a variety of different film genres, Ryder’s work follows the same philosophy - the idea of not limiting themselves to any specific focus and letting themselves take on whatever creative idea/opportunity comes their way.
Upcoming sewing workshop!
Led by studio member Lily Rooney, teaching basic, fundamental sewing techniques. Studio members can sign up with two different class options on Friday, 2/23, or Sunday, 2/25. Pick up a new skill or refresh on an old one!
I love you all,
See you next week.
-Thanhvy Tran
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