Yes we all now 2016 was a bit of a shit show, politically, generally and personally. I think about how I had my first solo exhibition, but then remember how I left my aunties funeral early to go to my opening. The shittest thing for me this year though was losing my BFF (best furry friend) of 15 years, Ned the cat. He will be missed.
I did some good stuff too though....
-Zines: halfway through the year I panicked that I hadn't made any zines, then I remembered at the start of last year I made a mini zine about reunion gigs. I also (just about managed) two co-make 2 Sugar Papers, No Brown Girl or Poor Lass emerged, but who cares because *Drum Roll please* My infamous Crisp zine emerged!!! Yes I finally (with the help of a bunch of rad folk) made a zine about crisps!
I also got to table at loads of zine fairs and run a workshop or two, plus made my panel debut at an event about zines, I love talking about zines, have me on your panel!!
-Art: So yeah, I had my first solo exhibition and it was rad! I was really pleased with the new work I did for it and wanna take What, Is She Black Now? on the road, let me come to your town!
I had a few argh why am I even doing this moments, and Yiiikes! had a few 'yes great opportunities...sorry no' moments. But I'm surrounded by loads of creative people and I wanna make shit as awesome as they do, so I ain't stopping now.
I'm also approaching my 5th year or maybe it's 6th, of being a volunteer youth arts worker.
-Music: So I formed a Clueless Concept pop band with Sugar Papers better half Kandy. We made some songs, matching outfits, a tape (A TAPE) and a ridiculous amount of merch. We played some gigs and went on another summer tour with THEE BEST PEOPLE!! and honestly summer tour is the best time I have all year, hanging out with a bunch of the best humans, eating hash browns, going to new places, seeing more of the best humans along the way. SWOON!
-Friends: As usual I wish I spent more time hanging out with friends but when you get older it gets harder (see: you just wanna stay home and be tired in comfort) I got inspired and supported and had a great time with my friends, I even got to see two of them bring tiny badass humans into the world.
For 2017 I hope to not hoard as much, be more honest, learn new crafts (hello needle felting) do more with my love of tap dancing, make zines and art (obvs) and hang out with more tiny humans!
Here's my photo of the year....
