The 1920s is one of my favourite decades for the music, the dancing, some new-found freedom for women at that place in time, and a new age of modern art. When I started focusing heavily on fine and visual arts during my years 11 and 12, I was constantly inspired by the 1920s, and focused on topics such as flappers and lamps and art deco architecture. It was the period I wanted to explore further through, not just art itself, but also through other mediums like music, films, books and the famous celebrities of the time. I like to think it was where pop culture was truly born. Although things weren't as jolly and it was a time of the Great Depression, I find that the wilder side of the Jazz Age amusingly juxtaposes the deep economic crisis everyone felt. When life gives you lemon, make lemonade. That’s why 2020 is an especially important one for me. It marks one hundred years after my favourite decade so I feel I must honour it by reconnecting with what brought me to the 1920s - through art.
The festive season is upon us! The smell of real Christmas trees, baubles and nutcrackers appearing everywhere, the shopping madness that involves food and gifts and Christmas wrappings. The holidays seem to be so stressful and chaotic, but its festive remains. The mad rush everyone goes through is a fun subject to capture on film.
It’s also a time of self-reflection and look back warmly on the achievements and little milestones in my photography journey. I’ve successfully managed to keep a website running for a whole year! It’s been a real joy to see my own work displayed on a platform that’s easily accessible to anyone. I now have a digital portfolio of my work, which is something I’ve always wanted to be able to spend time to create. As I scroll through the photos I’ve published online, I see trends and styles that constantly appear, and it makes me get to know myself better. Now, I’ve pinpointed the kind of shots I’m after and how I want to frame the shot to be able to tell the story the way I see it. It’s nothing ground-breaking, but it helps me to get to my niche way of photography. I’m finding a bit more of myself throughout this journey and it's a fulfilling feeling. It brings me joy and I'm sure the joy I feel is felt amongst others (at least I hope it does).
Photography has slowly reconnected me with my creative side. As part of Christmas presents, I sketched each member of the family in a Chibi anime style, and everyone loved it. If I can get back to sketching and make it a healthy and regular habit, I will be able to have a portfolio of sketches in no time. Every time I draw makes me draw better. I’ve also started reading again, although the progress is a bit slower than I’d like. The holidays really gives me the time I need to be able to do these creative projects that are time consuming. The holidays’ gift to me is, literally, time. Whenever I draw, I get so engrossed in the process of what I’m creating and I love that feeling that I am creating something out of nothing and that the end-product is something I can enjoy. I’ve got all the tools I need. All I need is to be friends with time and for time to work with me. A positive mindset is my new mantra - work with what I have, work to my best abilities, learn and try again. These are the things I will constantly remind myself, all with a positive mindset.
A new decade dawns upon us. Like the Roaring 20’s, we should celebrate with a swing in our hips and the beat in our feet and Charleston our way to 2020. To tell myself to do more photography and drawing this year is exciting and empowering. I am responsible for my content and my creation. As my yoga instructor’s quote of the day demonstrates, keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.