Hug a Hobby!

Notes & News from Dorah Blume, Deborah Bluestein & Juiceboxartists Press & Workshops

Hug a hobby — embrace your creativity

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Over the pandemic, which seems waning, we lost many things from our “normal life,” but nothing as much as hugging our friends and loved ones. In pre-Covid times, if I should catch my foot on a loose brick and tumble, passersby would leap to my aid within seconds. Once lockdown hit, fear trumped empathy. If I fall, people will scatter away from me! Contamination fear was more potent than the impulse to help. During this love month of February, air hugs over Zoom don’t have the power to pump up the oxytocin—the feel-good chemical and lower the cortisol—the stress chemical. But hugging a hobby—embracing creative impulses and passions can carry us over the dark patches.

Following our monthly themes of connecting to our creativity, why not embrace our interests? Pull them off the back burners of our lifelong delayed passions, and finally give them a hug with the attention and focus they deserve. A great example is Matt DiMasi, a physician by day who embraces his love for comics and mosaics during off-hours.

Physician by Day, Passionate Mosaic Artist in Off Hours
By Matt DiMasi

As a child, I loved to draw. When an older cousin introduced me to comic books, I developed a passion for the cover art. I never read the comics but would enjoy the cover image, often recreating it in pencil. . . In 2013 my interest in comic collecting came back strong. I knew I had to attempt a superhero! . . . I created my first superhero mosaic Captain America, working with large pieces and little detail. Over years and thousands of hours, I made each cover reproduction more intricate with smaller pieces, deliberate shapes, and accounting for grout lines in the design.

Recreating these classic covers, which are burned into my childhood memories, has brought me tremendous joy (along with lots of cuts and joint aches). Each piece has unique challenges, always providing an artistic escape. I was honored to have the privilege of publishing the mosaic covers on Marvel comic books. . . The mosaics are my humble tributes to the great comic book artists. They have created these fantasy universes where we can escape to our childhood and rely on heroes when the going gets rough. I have been fortunate to meet many of the artists whose covers I have recreated. It is a thrill to see their reaction when they see my mosaics. Or when a fan at a show sees the mosaic of their favorite cover. I love that mosaics are reflective and imperfect and allow your mind to fill in the cracks. Read more.

Matt (photo above by Melynda Parker) is always in search of old comics. If readers have old comics they’d like to sell, please call him at 855-COMIC BUY (855-266-4228). You can read Marvel's feature on him at marvel.com, check out his Instagram, or read his complete article here on our Prompted to Tell series on medium.com.

The Unapologetic Pursuit Of Multiple Passions
In this thought provoking talk by Nkateko Masinga, she explores the link between occupation and identity and the liberating journey of following multiple dreams. Watch below.

Embrace Your Interests and Passions. Don’t allow others to define who you are, what you do, or how you do things.
By Mitch Jackson

"I believe it’s important to note that many people who have helped change the world and make history had multiple passions, interests, and talents. They didn’t focus on just one thing. They allowed their passion, vision, and ability to take their life journey down multiple paths. Often, each experience along the way complimented the other and even created new ideas and opportunities." Read More.

How to Embrace Your Hobbies & Interests
By Katie Russo

1. Give Yourself Permission to Explore
Pay attention to the things that interest you and make you feel energized. As you begin to integrate more of those kinds of activities into your life, inspiration will follow.

2. Stay Open and Flexible
Following your interests and passions can lead you down a path you never imagined. It is important to always stay open and flexible and to continue to do what feels good to you. Who knows where you will be guided?

3. Reach out to People
A great way to continue to explore and gain insight into the things you're interested in is by connecting with people who are already doing the same things. Ask plenty of questions - anything that may help you learn more about the field.

4. Make "Mistakes"
Assume the attitude of experiment instead of expecting perfect results each time you try something new. There is a lot to be learned by approaching mistakes as opportunities.

Follow @juiceboxcreative_workshops on Instagram for writing prompts and creative inspiration!

It has been the nurturing of our class which has developed my writing to being able to even think of entering or submitting anything. I have learned so much about craft from listening to everyone's writing and from developing stories from the prompts offered by Deborah. My goal for 2020 was to create a tribe of writers and I am so happy and proud to be among you. ~Beth Corso

Immigrant Voices Podcast Project

With poor job prospects, and feeling unsafe in her native country, Adriane decided to leave Brazil and follow her mother and brother to the states in 2003. Crossing the border from Mexico into Texas proved a challenge, especially the last three days without food and water, a place to sleep, and only a trash bag to keep her dry during a major downpour. Crowded in a van with 11 other Brazilians she made her way to Boston in borrowed men’s clothing—her height demanded it—and she fell into the arms of her mother who had sold her car to finance her daughter’s trip. Listen here.

Check out this book... Refuse to Choose!: Use All of Your Interests, Passions, and Hobbies to Create the Life and Career of Your Dreams

Don't know what to do with your life? Drawn to so many things that you can't choose just one? New York Times best-selling author Barbara Sher has the answer--do EVERYTHING!
With her popular career counseling sessions, motivational speeches, workshops, and television specials, Barbara Sher has become famous for her extraordinary ability to help people define and achieve their goals. Learn more.

Follow the Renaissance patron of the arts tradition! For as little as $5 a month.
Become one of my patrons on Patreon.

We'd love to hear from you! Is there a particular creative topic you'd be interested in learning more about or do you have any suggestions on how we could make this newsletter better? Email me at deb.bluearts@gmail.com.

The current Juiceboxartists online writing session series of committed writing groups are filled. The next series of five sessions will begin April 2, 2022. Limited spaces are available! These committed group sessions meet every other Saturday for a total of five two hour sessions for $150. 10% discount for Patreon patrons!

*New series can be scheduled upon request. Minimum is four participants. Maximum is six participants.