I'm sorry it's been so long since I've written. Also, I read somewhere that someone used that as their subject line and it was the most read newsletter he had, so hey, that's something.
My intention with this newsletter is to share myself, my work, and what's inspiring me in hopes that it inspires and moves something in you. Creating and sharing are the only ways I know how to exist on this planet. I vehemently refuse to do anything but shape my world how I want it to be and help others see that anything is possible in their world as well. That's where you come in! I hope what I create inspires you and makes you discover something new for yourself. There is just too much fear and anger running around these days. I see the only option to share my work and inspire an army of love soldiers, a gaggle of open-hearted humans tossing colorful fistfuls of (biodegradable) confetti and possibility into the streets. And WOW, there are so many ways to go about that, and I know so many people doing just that. I've certainly tried all sorts of different approaches. Some work, some don't. But how are you supposed to know unless you try?
So recently I shook it all up. I found someone great to take on the director duties of the non-profit I founded. I moved out the co-living space I've called home for seven years. I bought a car for the first time ever (Craiglist, ugh and also wow, thanks). A friend agreed to watch my cats for two months (thanks Rachel :D). I set an email away message. And I went on a sabbatical.
My only intention was to create space for discovery, for exploration. Even as an artist, so much of my days are regulated by to-dos and emails and dramatically overthinking life and trying to do 86 things at once *waves to 43 open internet browser tabs*. I headed to the desert, where I could hear the flapping wings of crows overhead. I spent time with family in LA, where I saw how quickly my nephews are overcome by crushing despair when they can't play with a toy anymore, only to be overjoyed at the sight of a different new toy seconds later. I heard stories from locals in tiny desert towns. I wrote a song under the starry expansiveness of the desert. And now what?
I want to make art more than ever before. I want to share what I have to say with you. That's what I want to do. AND it's not easy to be financially stable as an artist. I have no set income, no knowledge of how much money I will make this year. More and more now when I freak out in my mind and my body tenses up and I wonder what the hell am I doing why don't I just get a reception job at a startup and find a girlfriend on a dating app and call it good. More and more when that happens, I find myself smiling. Laughing. I come right back way quicker than ever before. And maybe that's all it is. Like my friend Marc once said to me, "Is this what progress looks like?" Simply letting things go. Being comfortable in one's own skin. Knowing what it is you want to do. And not giving in to anything else.
It's weird how we have to convince ourselves of what we know we already want. Maybe that's all life is. Learning how to listen to yourself. And others. And being really F-ing kind to everyone.
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My dear friend Regina Felice and I are doing an Instagram GIVEAWAY! *Insert airhorn noise here* She has made an awesome Intentional Year Calendar that helps you joyously achieve your goals and I am including a copy of my book threehundredandsixtyfivelists, where I made a creative list (almost) every day for a year straight. It's a super dope inspiration creativity package that will unleash your inner creative lion's roar!
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I've got some really exciting projects I'm going to be sharing next week around art and money and tech and life! I was going to share them this week but I'm not because I didn't get them ready to share and that's ok because instead I can tease you with next week's content! Just getting to know my work? I've got my past projects, art you can purchase, and more on my website!
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Lastly, this newsletter was inspired by other artists who share authentically about life and art. If you enjoyed this you might like to check out Silvi Alcivar and Marlee Grace.
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PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH ANYONE WHO YOU THINK WOULD DIG IT. THANKS! :)
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Anything you are curious about or want to ask me? Let me know at hhfranks@gmail.com
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