At this point this blog is going to become a way for me to input and track the changes in my sleep patterns.
Sleep health: 40% // Nightmares: None! Finally!
I missed a call earlier but it certainly woke me up. I’m accepting that I won’t feel normal until about 5-8 PM for the next week or so. Do I need to force myself to stay awake? Absolutely no caffeine during the day at all? Is the missing ingredient exercise? Relaxing showers before bed?! Do I gotta start dipping into the kava and valerian root again???
Today will likely be another gouache testing day. Thinner washes seems better with this brand so if that’s the case I’ll essentially never have to buy watercolors ever again (but they aren’t the same thing, I know). Another possible avenue of exploration came to me when I saw some gorgeous woodblock prints by Oscar Droege. Yes, I came across them on pinterest. It’s a really great resource for further research, okay?
Then my favorite super cool magical multi-talented workshop artist (working title) James Gurney happened to have a blog post providing a bit more background on Droege. Please feel free to read here.
(Paul?) Oscar Droege, couldn’t find a title or date
This was the first one I came across but there so many others. It seems that his full name is Paul Oscar Droege but he’s commonly known as Oscar Droege. I may have to ask my professor Kathrin if she knows of him. A book of his work would be great.
His woodblock prints in particular are intricately detailed yet delicate. Soft gradients, cohesive linework, and thoughtfully arranged compositions full of depth. I don’t currently have the means to make prints. I could technically do relief prints, which is what these are, but it’s been a long time and I’d prefer doing it in the appropriate space if I can help it. That’s besides the point, though. I was inspired to attempt creating similar images via my gouache and poster color. The paper that got damaged during the move could serve as a great training ground for this since I can’t use it for its original purpose. Believe it or not I used to have a light, feathery hand. I was all about washes and careful layering. Then I gradually came into making goopy, thick, and opaque work. I suspect it’s because I lost my patience for seeing something slowly come together and I just couldn’t figure out how to make sense of it all. Doesn’t mean I found a better method, it’s actually contributed to my lack of understanding. Anyway, I want to try and create similar images to these woodblocks but with a brush. I have some old photos of landscapes and plants that I can potentially use and it’d be cool! Pondering over.
Last night I got to talk to Annie 🐇via FaceTime! Now I know my iPad is the way to go since my phone can’t seem to take the load. It was so lovely and much needed! She had her usual beautiful touches of highlight and eyeshadow and I almost mistook the rosy hue on the walls as her own bedroom. I got to meet her boyfriend as well, also lovely, and I’m starting to think that’s how I’ll have to meet most of my friends’ SO’s moving forward if this pandemic doesn’t subside anytime soon. Time to ask Katharine if her and Reddy are down for a FaceTime meet and greet. Annie and I laughed about our thighs and gaining weight during quarantine. She perfectly articulated the consistency and said they were like Play-doh. If only the fat on our thighs were truly like Play-Doh and it could be taken and displaced elsewhere. If that were possible I’d immediately transfer what’s on my stomach and legs to my chest and my butt. Unfortunately, the human body is not malleable in that way. No anime waifu body for me. 🍈🍈🍑
However, the conversation her and I had along with many conversations my brother and I have had has helped me reach a decision…. I think I have to limit my beer intake. I’ve been casually having at least one beer every day and I have to assume that adds up. There’s also been an abundance of food at this house which is wonderful but I need to practice more mindful eating. I decided that I’ll change over to wine (I know that’s not a real solution, shhh) and I’ve also decided that I need to start eating more tofu again. My mouth watered at the thought of tofu steak with caramelized onions on top. If I paired it with a salad it’d be a solid enough meal. And then… I’ll have to find an exercise I can do consistently…. egads! Perhaps I’ll ask my father for boxing lessons and Shaka and I can do some cardio while we watch anime. I’m already dreading it. 😅
Ready to pass out again and it isn’t even noon. Ahhhhh
I wonder what y’all do when you can’t sleep/need to stay awake? I know, opposites. They’re going hand in hand for me, however. Perhaps I’ll put up a poll(?) or questionnaire tomorrow and see if anyone answers.