Using Your Creativity to Help Others During Strange Times
A newsletter about writing, art and living more creatively
I don't have to tell you this: these are strange times. And sometimes I start to wonder — how can I use my own creativity to help? While I'm trying not to be overproductive (nope, I don't think you need to be productive right now), I'm also so inspired by people using their creative talents in big and small ways.
Here's how I've been really inspired by others lately:
- Izabella Mirza offered tarot card readings to benefit queer shop Cuties Coffee
- Illustrator Grace Ludmer gave 100% of profits from one of her shirt designs to National Bail Out
- Many of my talented musician friends have done virtual busking to provide donation-based entertainment
- My yoga/fitness friends have been doing the same ^
Some ideas if you have been feeling helpless:
- Offer pro bono or reduced rate services (i.e. consultations in any skill set that you have)
- Share your talent, I've loved watching Instagram Live feeds of people just doodling because it's relaxing
- Repost information on community projects, artist grants, etc
- Mail a surprise letter or send a drawing to a friend
I've been using coloring pages so much more than before to take a break from my screen and do something that takes my mind off things just a little. I'm grateful to Robin Eisenberg for creating a coloring book page for my subscribers! You can download it here. And be sure to follow her on Insta.
I am sending you good vibes and I know we'll make it through this.
In my own work, I recently wrote about the first-ever biography on Ruth Asawa and I was interviewed by Lisa Marie Basile for her new site Ritual Poetica about writing, ritual and healing.
Your favorite small but feisty writer,
Eva
PS If you missed the downloadable wallpapers available so far, click here (including new designs this week!)
Banner design by Ludi Leiva ✨
What I'm Reading
Why Imogen Cunningham's Light-Filled Photographs Are So Soothing Right Now
From Shoebox to White Cube: A Roundup of Homemade Pet Museums
L.A. Street Food Vendors Fought for 10 Years for the Right to Sell. Then COVID-19 Came Along
So Relatable by Chrissy Hennessey: My new favorite newsletter. It helps writers and artists achieve their goals, improve their craft and discover better snacks (YES PLEASE).
Books:
Wow, No Thank You (non-fiction) // Read this if you need to laugh!
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (fiction) // Sad yet heartwarming read if you want to feel things
South of Pico: African American Artists in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s // A great historical look at an important time in L.A. art history
*I receive a small affiliate commission if you buy through these links via Bookshop, which donates 10% of sales to participating indie bookstores.
Opportunities of the Month
ILYSM $500 grants
Weekly, ongoing
More info here
Relief Fund for L.A. County Visual Arts
Applications due May 25
More info here
Museum of Arts and Design’s Burke Prize
For artists working with glass, fiber, clay, metal, or wood
Submissions due May 31
More info here
Co—Conspirator Press Call for Unpublished Manuscripts
Submissions due May 31
More info here
de Young Museum juried community art exhibition
(for San Francisco-based artists)
Submissions open June 1-14
More info here
Walt Disney Television Writing Program
Application open until June 5
More info here
Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award
Applications due June 8
More info here
Cave Canem Northwestern University Press Poetry Prize
Unpublished, original collections of poems written in English
by Black poets of African descent
Submissions due June 12
More info here
Quote of the Month
"You cannot possibly know right now how much your work is going to impact someone, someday."
— Beth Pickens
Want to treat me to a ☕️ or 🍷 to help fuel this newsletter?
Venmo: @Eva-Recinos or Cash App: $EvaRecinos
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