January: an excavation

January came in like a whirlwind for me – full of excitement, anxiety, but also hope.  Although the rough patches were difficult, I still feel okay about January. I began the year with my favourite people, giggling, and dancing to Beyoncé at midnight. My first day was spent swimming at the beach soaking in the sun. One thing I've found out this month is that I need to push myself to do things I'm always wanting to do - rather than putting it off - I’ve decided to document here a couple things I did during the month.

This month I read: 

i. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi- I have quite an obsession for graphic novels, and this auto-biographical book was more than wonderful. I was engrossed in Marjane’s story of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and it’s aftermath, along with her personal endeavours as a young woman. I was inspired by Marjane’s passion and courage, and dedication. "I drew Persepolis with a pedagogical purpose, for the Western public. I had heard so many stupid things about my country.

ii. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai – after finishing this auto-biography I felt like Malala and I had become good friends (her being only a year younger than me!) after reading her detailed accounts of her life in her Swat Valley, Pakistan. Likewise to Marjane, she shows moving strength and intelligence in her stand against social injustice. Reading this novel also provides much useful information on Pakistan’s history, politics, and culture. She addresses many key issues on poverty, drones, capitalism, women’s rights, and naturally education. On top of this; her personal journey and anecdotes are just as heartening... "We are often made to feel that a person who emigrates does so for economic reasons. I wanted to show that you leave your home because you can’t breathe any more. ..."

iii. Playing to the Gallery by Grayson Perry – I love Grayson Perry’s artworks so I was very excited to read this book, but I finished it ultimately feeling undecided and confused.  Looking back there were many funny and even informative anecdotes, giving more of an understanding of movements in art history and art institutions.  There were a couple of parts, that I even laughed out loud on public transport - I was often reminded of funny moments studying art theory in high school art, and even some of my teacher's anecdotes. 

This month I have been listening to:

Lp1 - Fka Twigs: This album is every bit magical; right from ‘Preface’ it transports you into a world that feels very bygone and peculiar. I’ve been doing some drawing while playing this on vinyl, and floating away into my own dreamland. Next month I’m lucky to be seeing her live!!

Horses - Patti Smith: perfect album to dance around the house too, and feel powerful! I found my dad's old copy on vinyl (which I didn't realise we had owned!) and have been spinning it ever since. Patti is incredibly clever and talented which is on full display in these poetic songs.

January photo journal:

A very small sniper of the amazing view from my friend's flat in the city. I chose liked this photo no only because of the nice rooftops, chimneys, and trees; but because it reminded me of what Hayao Miyazaki said in The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness - "When you look from above so many things reveal themselves to you. Suddenly, there in your humdrum town is a magical movie... Feels like you could go somewhere far beyond."

A couple of shots in an antiquated Photo Booth that I sought out in the city after spontaneously taking a day to myself to wander around. I was so overheated and exhausted after walking all day in the summer heat hence the poses; my thick long hair is always more warmer than I think!

A small little swirl I found on monstera deliciosa plant in my backyard. I love spending time in my garden, it has become quite a sanctuary with all the trees and plants grown tall and green. It makes me feel like i've escaped to a hidden world; perfect space for reading

A shot from a night walk near my boyfriend's house just outside the city, the sky was such a nice deep blue and all the house, street, and city lights made it feel very cinematic. 

Playlist:
A random assortment of songs I have been listening/dancing/crying to this month:

(you can listen to this here)