How are we almost finished with June? Even more scary… how are we already halfway through the year? It’s insane how fast this year is flying by, but alas the show must go on. Anywho, I hope that you’re good and that things are peachy keen in your world. If not or even if so, you know the deal: sending you positive vibes either way.
This month has felt like such a blur and I’m honestly still catching up on sleep. I started off the month with an 8-day work trip to Salt Lake City, Utah. Earlier this year, I was hired as an AP Art & Design Reader for ETS and I was so excited to be able to go. I had never been to SLC until a few weeks ago, so everything was very new to me. It was a LOT of work (7+ hour days) grading hundreds of art portfolios around the country, though it was also very inspiring to see what the next generation of artists are cooking up at this very moment. I also was able to meet a lot of wonderful art educators across the country and truly look forward to doing this again next year.
As soon as I got back in town, I unpacked my things and immediately went to the doctor (booooo). My allergies have been very horrible which my doctor assured me was due to the poor air quality because of pollination and the Canada wildfires. My blood pressure was also quite elevated, so after that visit and some helpful medications, I can now breathe normally and I’m feeling pretty good. Speaking of doctor’s visits, I also had my yearly examination with my OBGYN so I’m writing this as a reminder for you (if you haven’t already) to get your yearly check-up if you’re able! Even if you feel good, you just never know and it’s better to be safe than anything less than that.
The rest of this month has been filled with catching up on much-needed rest after a long week of travels, work, and even more work when I made it back to Milwaukee. So, the work that I have been doing for myself has been quite passive (writing letters to myself, reading poetry, watching films/shows, etc.). I’m spending time with my loved ones this weekend, though, after that, I’m swinging back into some much-needed studio time.
Next week, I also dive back into teaching which I have been taking a break from since May. I won’t lie and say that I’m stoked (at this moment in time) only due to the break I’ve had that has spoiled me rotten. Though I am excited to meet a new batch of students and to guide them in all things Intro to Photography. Knowing me, I’m sure my excitement will kick in the night before I teach.
MONTHLY HIGHS AND LOWS…..
HIGHS…..
- Traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah as an AP Art & Design Reader for the first time
- Went on a hike that I wanted to quit many times, but made it to the top in the end!
- Navigated through heavy work weeks relatively well (though this will NOT be a norm nor do I recommend working yourself to exhaustion if you can help it)
- Spent time with my friends and shared a lot of laughs at Summer Solstice
- Secured the writing gig of a lifetime that I can’t share right now, but when I am able to… you will faint with joy with me!
- My work was acquired by the Illinois State Museum (my second permanent collection)!
LOWS…..
- Worked nonstop for about 2 weeks with no break and lack of sleep + other work-related stressors
NEWS + UPDATES…..
Last month, I had a conversation on Lenscratch with one of my dear friends who is also a photographer, Drew Leventhal, chatting about all things finances and navigating life after graduating with our MFAs. You can find that article here. I highly recommend reading it!
I will be instructing an online workshop this summer August 7-24, 2023 with Santa Fe titled Archival Projects: Bringing the Past to Life. It will occur on Mondays/Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 am MT. I’d love to have you join and here’s the link for more information!
My work will be included in the HCP 40th Center Annual Exhibition in Houston, TX opening this weekend June 20, 2023! If you happen to be there and give it a visit, let me know!
I am open and available for freelance writing and photography opportunities. If you or anyone you know need my services, reach out to me here and let me know. I’d love to work with you (or anyone you know)!
ART/CULTURE STUFF I’VE BEEN INTO…..
Between traveling and a heavy work schedule, I wasn’t able to visit any exhibitions, but I was able to watch a few movies and shows! I was even able to squeeze in a book (Anywho, I Love You by Graham Holmes, R.H. Sin, and Samantha King Holmes) that I’m still taking my time to read.
Binge-worthy Shows
Here’s what I watched over the past month, and of course, if you ever have any show or movie recommendations that you want to send my way, please send me an email so I can watch and follow up with you about it later.
Shows
Black Mirror Season 6 (MA | 2023 | Sci-fi) – 3/5
Workin’ Moms (MA | 2017-2023 | Comedy Drama) – 5/5
Movies
The Little Mermaid (PG | 2023 | Fantasy/Musical) – 4/5
Reality (TV-MA | 2021 | Docudrama) – 5/5
Dirty Dancing (PG-13 | 1987 | Dance/Romance) – 3/5
RANDOM PHOTOS IN MY CAMERA ROLL OVER THE PAST MONTH…
Alright friends, that’s all I have to share for this month. Thank you for reading and I hope that your June ends on the best note. You deserve it! If you ever miss any newsletters, you can find them in the archive on my website and if you’re interested in what I’m up to in the meantime, check out my Instagram (@alaynapernell)!
Take care of yourself and I’ll see you next month in July.
Love you, mean it!
- Alayna N. Pernell