More frequent social media they said! Better content! Quick hits! And where did it drive me? Back to the blog, baby.

I find myself more repelled than ever by the insatiable hunger of the algorithm. Immersed in a city of things, it’s more abundantly clear than ever that churned out square facsimiles don’t make up for seeing or holding in person. It’s telling that when all I want to do is share an image of work, a blurry photo of my face will ‘perform’ ten times better. Speaking of which, as the first year of grad school comes to a close, I’m planning better in situ documentation of my existing paintings and new works. We’ll see if better quality pics, representation of dimension, and a bit more visible wall space tip the a/b testing scales upon reposting.

Lots to reflect on as spring unfolds – I feel like a loaded sponge, heavy with new knowledge, inspiration, and ideas. First year has brought with it many new friendships, mentors, and lessons: however expensive you think New York is, it’s more expensive. It gets real hot, and years of visiting and watching movies and shows set here don’t prepare you for the unyielding stench or the incessant rattles, hisses, and bangs of the cranky pre-war buildings. For all the neighbourhood Facebook complainers back home, Toronto is immaculate thank you very much.

Artist hang in studio of Austin Clay Willis; Lindaluz Carillo, Joshua Evans, Lily Hyon, Will Maddox, Sheila Carr, Feyzi Kutay Tufekci, Korkimon.

But the energy is real. Discovering new galleries, bookshop bars, and live venues is a blast. Casual celebrity sightings doing banal errands in an almost unsettlingly unbothered environment, thriving independent theatres, incredible style everywhere. Losing myself in the Strand without a tourist’s schedule to keep is a dream. And taxing my student access to institutions, wearing out my Brooklyn and SVA Library cards, and running in the parks never grows old.  I’m excited to funnel all of this into new creative directions as I conceptualize thesis ideas!

Working on a diptych flat in studio.

A couple shout outs: to Niamh for backboning the whole operation. Gertrude’s and Gertie for keeping me fed and the support of friends on the ground (latkes, Banana Yoshimoto, rec hoops and the warm embrace of Mets fandom). Apollo Bagels for getting me carbed up in the winter months. Bouldering Project for being a great place to work it all off. P·P·O·W, Harper’s, Ki Smith, Hannah Traore, Hashimoto, Derek Eller, and Fredericks & Freiser for sharing time, hosting some great receptions, and introducing me to some of my new favourite artists.

Bring on Spring.