This year as every year I was doing the character a day challenge in October. But this year, I have dropped off on Day 19 :( Every day things just got caught up to me and I couldn’t go on. It’s a big disappointment but I’m thinking to make my own challenge in December so I can finish my year with a clean slate.
I’m posting here, some of the characters from this October challenge that came out nice :)
New Ceramic Pieces!
I had a great opportunity to exhibit all my ceramic sculptures from year 2020!
MY FRIEND'S QUARANTINE SHOPPING LIST ---- #42 Hayley (Baltimore, MD)
Me:
What is your essential food/item that made it on top of your quarantine list?
Hayley:
My essential items are CLEMENTINES.
a little boring visually, but it's my main pregnancy craving. We get a big bag every week or two when we shop. I really like to have something sweet as a snack and it's usually a clementine and a glass of sparkling water!
The other essential is Viet Way fried shallots!
I put them on my breakfast sandwiches, on fried rice and asian noodle dishes, anything that needs some CRUNCH
Me:
Congratulations Hayley!!! You baby would be the luckiest dumpling growing up with two artists!
I made you a fried shallots just because I made the mandarin recently for my friend Cecile;)
And also I was fascinated by this fried onion. It looks amazing!!!
I have to find it somewhere and I want to put it on EVERYTHING immediately!!!!
You have been working a lot. Can you tell me a bit about your new book?
Hayley:
Yes! It's funny that sometimes the busiest times for work are the quietest for me on social media. I can tell you that I'm working on a YA graphic novel that I hope to finish this summer! It's set in the 90's and is a story about 4 girls working through their feelings about love and friendship in a town where a boy their age has been abducted and is still missing. It's sweet but also very eerie - I'm enjoying the heck out of drawing it!
Me:
Omg that sounds like a good book to read. I can’t wait to read it!
You also make ceramic! How long have you been making them? Are you making anything new lately?
Hayley:
My husband Andy and I have been collaborating on ceramics for the past 2 years! Andy throws on the wheel and I like to hand-build and decorate. It's been a wonderful way to play around with illustration in a more dimensional way, and play with a more tactile material. I unfortunately never have the bandwidth to do ceramics during the school year while I teach, but now that the semester is over I have a pile of bisque and clay calling my name! Definitely look out for more ceramics soon :)
Me:
Oh that’s fun! I love that you two collaborate.
And can’t wait to see what you create this summer.
I was really drawn to your comic journal. I really love the honesty and intimacy of your images.
Let me know if I can share some from this quarantine time ;)
Hayley:
Sure sure! Here are a few scanned pages!
Me:
Thank you so much Hayley. Beautiful drawings and also love you are using sticky notes as a comic panels.
Great idea.
Thank you for sharing and your interview!!!
———————
Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
MY FRIEND'S QUARANTINE SHOPPING LIST "MICA WEEK" ---- #41 Hayelin (Baltimore, MD)
This week I wanted to introduce you to my international faculty family from MICA.
The core member is Eduardo from Mexico, Matteo from Italy, and Hayelin from Korea. We are all immigrants and share similar experiences and hardships. It was such a comfort to have this group more than ever when covid-19 happened. We have a weekly cooking zoom now to share each others recipes. I’m super thankful to all of them :)
Ok! Let’s start the interview!
Me:
What is your essential item/food on your quarantine shopping list?
Hayelin
1. Ahn Sung Tang Myun (Ramyun)
2. Doenjang (Soybean paste)
3. Gochujang
Me:
Oh! they all sound so delicious. Korean food is one of my favorite. I miss it so much going to Korean restaurants. I picked the image of Doenjang since I have seen this in the Korean market I shop! Would you tell me what I can make with it? It would be great if I can make something Korean at home :)
Hayelin:
I usually use Doenjang to make Doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew). I enjoy making this dish because it's one of my comfort foods from Korea. As long as you have Doenjang, it's easy to make because you just need basic ingredients like onion, tofu, and vegetables. If you want to try making the dish, try it from this video!(subtitle included)
Me:
Oh! It seems simple. I think I can make this!
Thank you!
I wanted to ask a little bit about your MICA classes that you teach.
How was the transition? Was it easier or harder to teach graphic design online?
Hayelin:
We had a final Zoom meeting last week, and I felt very bitter sweet. I had a rough transition as I had to make some adjustments to my teaching methods and final projects while balancing it with my new normal life. Fortunately, we didn't have much of an issue as we were focusing on designing a website in terms of assignments. It's going to be a good challenge for me to think about how I teach printing a poster or designing a package online in the future. Another challenge is going to be building strong connections between/ with students online, because that plays a huge role in their academic achievements.
Me:
That is so true! I didn’t think about that but it was easier since we had 8 weeks face to face to bond with our students this semester although it went online later on. That is something to think about for the future indeed. Congratulations on completing the semester though!
I love your fun and colorful design/animation/illustration! I see some of your designs are very much focusing on celebrating history, food, and community. (Please correct me if I'm wrong!!!) I would love to know where is your inspiration comes from. Does this social distancing time changed how you think or do you have a new project you are excited about to share here?
Hayelin:
Thank you, Aya! My main inspiration comes from food. It's not just because I'm a foodie. Growing up in different multicultural cities, I learned that food is a great topic to start a conversation about culture, history, and community. The recent situation with COVID breaks my heart because the restaurant industry is one of vulnerable communities affected by social distancing. I'm currently working on a project to promote local Baltimore restaurants. Stay tuned!
Me:
I’m excited about your new project! It is sad to see small restaurants closing here in NY as well.
Let me know when you finish I would love to see your Baltimore restaurants project!
Can I share some of your art works here?
Hayelin:
Of course! Speaking of food in the time of Corona, I started baking a lot recently. This reminded me of a children's book I worked with Readers to Eaters and Washington State University, "Bread Lab!" This book features learning about science while baking with children, and exploring the magic of yeast. Something I learned during this challenging time is that food tastes better when you share. I can't wait to master baking recipes and share them with my friends when we go back to normal. Maybe I'll be able to share my Doenjang-jjigae with you too, Aya!
Me:
This is wonderful!!!! I still haven’t got around to bake breads. I will ask you for the tips!
Here is some images from “Bread Lab!”
Thank you so much for the interview Hayelin!!!
———————
Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
My friend's quarantine shopping list "Mica Week" ---- #40 Matteo (New York, NY)
This week I wanted to introduce you to my international faculty family from MICA.
The core member is Eduardo from Mexico, Matteo from Italy, and Hayelin from Korea. We are all immigrants and share similar experiences and hardships. It was such a comfort to have this group more than ever when covid-19 happened. We have a weekly cooking zoom now to share each others recipes. I’m super thankful to all of them :)
Ok! Let’s start the interview!
Me:
What is your essential item/food on your quarantine shopping list?
Matteo:
Here is the brand of Crushed Tomatoes that I always have in my grocery list https://www.amazon.com/Cento-Crushed-Tomato-28-oz/dp/B000VDWSGU I cannot find it here in NY but it’s been a good companion in Baltimore! I like it because I can use it for a lot of stuff: side of lentils, zuppa toscana (soups), spaghetti al pomodoro (and all the pasta in general)..and also, when I open the can, I always love to get a full spoon raw, it’s delicious!!
Me:
Oh that sounds really good :) I also love the packaging, too. You cook a lot! What is your favorite dish to cook during this quarantine time? Did you try something new?
Matteo:
Oh yeah! I tried a lot of new things since everything is out of control, cooking is giving me a lot of calm! Anyway they bigger improvement has been in making bread, I bake twice a week, usually a 1.5 pounds-loaf, sometimes also focaccia, a very oily (but delicious) italian flat bread.
Me:
Wow that sounds good. I will try making bread, too this week. It sounds so hard! But my sourdough starter is ready :)
Since the social distancing and teaching online, your performance class at MICA had to shift. Would you describe me the original The Search for Johnny Redacted project and how it had to change?
Matteo:
I have to say that the students were amazing, their ability to adapt and work hard in this context has been inspiring. The class topic was Live Immersive Experience, so the idea was to have a site-specific show with actors, interactions, one-on-one etc..can you imagine? So instead we (me and my collegues Lisi Stoessel that was co-teaching with me) went back to the core questions of the show and we switched to an online experience. Audience will join this group of characters to perform a ritual over Zoom to evoke a character named Johnny Redacted. Before the ritual you could enter different rooms and chat with the characters to understand better what the show was about and who was this Johnny! It was really cool! You will see images soon on IG follow @micaimmersive.
Me:
That is amazing Matteo! YES for the amazing students and congratulations on finishing the project strong.
Urban game is something I didn't know till I met you! Can you describe what it is? (I know it's a big question) I am hoping the covid-19 will be under control and we will be back to the regular life. Are you talking to another game designers about the social distance and how it affect the games you design? I Also you design the board games, since family are stuck at home, would it be a family game renaissance?
Matteo:
Ok, I can talk about these topics for months! I’ve contributed to the creation of Trust in Play, the European School of Urban Game Design, and yeah, there is a lot of discussion, new project and new ideas coming out of that, urban games mostly happens in public space and we are an international community so it’s amazing to see how everyone is adapting. Board game? I’m a newbie on that, before coming to Baltimore and working at the Game Lab my experience with that was low I would say, but that is a board-game temple! We have more then 350 games so I started playing a lot of them with our colleagues. I think that yes, I think there will be a renaissance on board game (another one after the one of the early 2000), my wife is getting passionated about it and this is a signal that they are becoming mainstream!
Me:
Ha!! I had no idea you got into the board game after you arrive to MICA!
Tell me about your projects you are working on.
Matteo:
I’m working on three games at the moment! One is a card game called Invisible Cities that would be free and downloadable on my page on Ithc.io, the second is a family board game called Monster Parade (that I’ve designed together with Jason Corace) but in the next month I will work a lot on Geology, a physical game that you can play at home, it’s my first time coding and I’m using Arduino and a Microcontroller called Adafruit Circuit Playground, it’s a lot of fun and I fell also so dumb, which is a sign that I’m exploring in the right direction.
Wow three projects! You are busy, and all the games sounds exciting :)
Thank you so much Matteo for the interview!
If you want to know more about the immersive theater, you can check out his “The Playcast” a podcast theplaycast.co
And also more about the Urban game, Matteo is part of this group www.urbangames-factory.it
you should check it out :)
———————
Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
My friend's quarantine shopping list "MICA week" ---- #39 Eduardo (Baltimore, MD)
This week I wanted to introduce you to my international faculty family from MICA.
The core member is Eduardo from Mexico, Matteo from Italy, and Hayelin from Korea. We are all immigrants and share similar experiences and hardships. It was such a comfort to have this group more than ever when covid-19 happened. We have a weekly cooking zoom now to share each others recipes. I’m super thankful to all of them :)
Ok! Let’s start the interview!
Me:
What is your essential item/food on your quarantine shopping list?
Eduardo:
Tajin Clasico!
Me:
Oh I have seen this in the market!
Why did you pick this item?
Eduardo:
After a lot of thinking, I realized that what really makes this quintessential Mexican seasoning THE most important item in my list (besides the obvious comfort-food-aspect); is the undeniable FACT that this mix of spices has the curious property of making anything that touches extra delicious!
Consisting of ground chile peppers, sea salt, and dehydrated lime juice (wiki); this spice mix embodies some of my favorite prominent flavors in the Mexican food.
Me:
It’s like a Shoyu (soy sauce) for me.
You grew up with this spice!
Eduardo:
Yes! Although when I was a kid, there was a similar brand called “Lucas” which reign as the supreme king of the chilli-powder spices back in the 80’s and 90’s.
I don’t remember when exactly the Tajín brand took over, but now you can basically find it in every Mexican kitchen.
On a funny note: Tajín dethroned Lucas, although you can still find the Lucas brand in Mexican candy shops. Yes! We consider this a CANDY.
Me:
Spicy candy! We don’t have that in Japan.
Eduardo:
I remember having an incredible childhood, thanks in part to a huge collection of spicy candies and lollipops available for my “spicy tooth” needs (although, I also have a “sweet tooth”). Just to name a few favorites: Vero Elotes, Vero Mango, Lucas Gusano, Miguelito Chamoy Chilito, Vero Rebanaditas, Limon 7, Pica-gomas, Pica Fresa, PELON PELO RICO, Tarugos, Rockaleta’s and many, many more!
Look for them!
Me:
I will! My mouth is watering.
So this Tajin Clasico, how do you use them?
Any favorite way?
Eduardo:
I will use this question to use my “Tajin expertise” and name some of my favorite suggestions.
You all can thank me later ;) : FRUITS, VEGETABLES, ETC:
Dust on: Oranges, grapefruit, mangos, watermelon, pineapple, apples, cucumber, jícama, tomatoes, thinly sliced lettuce and shredded carrot and my ultimate favorite; roasted WHITE CORN ON COB (Also in the Shelled Corn version called: "Elote desgranado") A.K.A.: My favorite Snack EVER.
COOKING: Avocado toast, rub for salmon, ceviche, shrimp and any fish, really. Making spicy HUMMUS !!!! Snacks like: pork rinds, plain potato chips, popcorn, etc.
BEVERAGES: Micheladas, Clamato, Margaritas!
I can keep on going really…but I will let you make your own :)
Me:
Wow! You can use it for anything!!!
I must have this! Thank you Eduardo.
You started to be really into cooking since this pandemic happened. What is the most complicated thing did you cook?
Eduardo:
This question will answer the REAL reason for choosing this spice as my essential item… I don’t really cook much! :(
Is funny to confess this, as my father was incredible at it, and my mother and grandmother are the best cooks ever. So one of my biggest goals from quarantine, is to start cooking for real.
I’m always running! I’m a workaholic!
These are just my forever excuses (although VERY real), for never making the time to cook; but as a weird and unexpected positive side of quarantine, I found in cooking , something has been missing all my life.
I’m extremely happy to have found another hobby to enjoy, but more importantly:
There are NO real good Mexican restaurants in Baltimore. PERIOD! And the need to start cooking my own Real good Mexican food, is now critical.
An infinite list of Salsas recipes!!! This is my next goal! I’ll keep you posted on that ;)
Going back to your question, I guess I will say that cooking Gnocchi with Matteo, you and Luca; has to be my proudest cooking moment. I never cooked anything as “complex” from scratch, and based on the unexpectedly good results; I consider this, the breaking point that has pushed me into cooking other stuff.
Me:
Oh yes that was really fun. Zoom cooking challenge has been really good for me as well.
I cooked before but not like now, cooking three meals a day is exhausting! But to make something with friends is saving me from just cooking same things all over ;)
You do zoom hang out and drinking nights with friends, no?
Have you been connecting with your old friend since this pandemic?
Eduardo:
Another weirdly and unexpected positive side of quarantine, is the fact that I have been reconnecting with many of my good friends, family and special people from Mexico, NYC, and all over the world. It really made me realize that we have been taking social interaction for granted.
So I wouldn’t call it “Drinking Nights,” but more “Friends Nights,”really; where drinks are included, serving as a bonding device, alluding the unequivocal symbol of a celebratory moment.
Me:
Nice!
I have now a weekly childhood friends meet ups on Saturday early morning. Since in Japan it’s Saturday late night usually they are drinking and I’m sipping coffee. haha.
But so true, I am reconnecting more since this happened.
I saw you have started a new instagram account! Tell me more!
Eduardo:
Absolutely!
As you might now, I've been using my social media accounts for a while, but in total honesty; I've been using them in a poorly (or unprofessional) fashion.
As I was setting the many goals I should pursue in this quarantine, I realized that I have documentation of a vast array of illustrations, graphic design projects and art in general created over the years; that has no proper space, representation or a place to exist. Basically, a gigantic vault of images buried in the many HD’s I have.
So In addition to my @tlalocorral “official,” account; I decided to open not one, but two accounts:
@elgreenproject As a repository of everything related to the ongoing "Elgreen Project"; A strange universe I have been creating circa 1998.
In a nutshell: This is a project based on an ongoing collection of strangely familiar objects, that uses nostalgia as the precursor of its own existence; but expands into visual narratives, universes and unworldly characters; based on literature by Jorge luis Borges, Julio Cortazar, and many other sources.
By far my most ambitious project, and the singular aesthetic my work is known for.
And
@tlaloc_art as the receptacle of a variety of illustrations, art and graphic design projects I've been creating over the years that are unrelated to "Elgreen Project"; but still show the breadth of my style, and the type of work I'm happy creating on a parallel path as a freelancer.
I think that being able to arrange and classify my life-work in a proper fashion, will be indeed a huge project on its own. This of course, will occur in parallel to all the new content I’m planning to create over this unprecedented “summer break.” SO I really CAN’T wait to start!
New artwork is coming! So stay tuned!
Me:
This is amazing Eduardo!
You have started so many new things since this thing started :)
I’m very impressed.
Eduardo:
Mil gracias for this interview Sensei Aya! And Thank you for the most amazing illustration ever created for the Tajín seasoning spice. :)
Me:
Haha.
Thank YOU for the interview!!!
Here I want to share some of Eduardo’s work from his new instagram @elgreenproject
———————
Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
Congratulations MICA class 2020!!!!!
Congratulations MICA graduate 2020!!! And all the graduating class of 2020 all over the world!!!
I was honor to work with 22 Seniors with their thesis at MICA. They are so talented and I can see many many success coming from this class.
I also want to say class of 2020 means a lot to me. They were in their junior year when I joined as a full time faculty at MICA. They helped me a lot and taught me a lot to become a better teacher.
I’m attaching our last class photo here and the link to my students website.
Since I have so many more artists who I met that I really LOVE, here are our department blog which many of my favorites are having a spotlight article!!! —->http://micaillustration.blogspot.com/?view=magazine
My students’ website:
Austin Beach https://www.arillustration.art/
Dani Clover-Flick https://danicloverflick.com/
Yifei Deng https://www.instagram.com/mozzarella_art/?hl=en
Stevie Gerakines https://www.sgerakines.com/
Tianli Gu https://www.tianli-gu.com/
Maddie Hand https://madhandart.cargo.site/
Angie Hewitt https://www.angie-hewitt.com/
Jue Hu https://www.theydrawandcook.com/artists/jue-hu
Rebecca Hu https://www.artstation.com/osteathus
Jarrin Jacobs https://www.jarrinjacobs.com/
Na Yeon Kim ( I couldn’t find the website! let me know NaYeon)
Min Young Lee ( I couldn’t find the website! let me know Min Young!)
Lena Lin http://portfolios.mica.edu/llin02e893
Taylor Mauldin https://www.taylormauldinillust.com/
Kiyohiro Nishio https://caecillianna.com/
Lianne Pflug https://liannepflug.com/
Wey Song ( I couldn’t find the website! let me know Wey!)
Skylar Stine https://www.skylarstine.com/
Megan Thornton https://meganthornton.myportfolio.com/
Emily Wang https://ewang01.myportfolio.com/illustration
Alex Welch https://mothcape.com/
David Zhou https://siyuandzhou.com/
My friend's quarantine shopping list "MICA week"---- #38 Allan (Annapolis, MD)
This week I wanted to introduce you to my illustration department family! I started working full time teaching at Maryland Institute College of Art in the Fall 2018. One of the reason why I decided to do the crazy commute from NY to Baltimore is those people! They are incredible people and talented illustrators who I get great inspirations from. It’s very unfortunate that covid-19 happened that we had move to the online teaching and I don’t get to see them everyweek. Also I love the students at MICA! We have a group of super talented Senior 2020 this year. They are graduating in one week. I will start putting some of my students work here on this blog.
Ok! Let’s start the interview!
Me:
What is your essential item/food on your quarantine shopping list?
Allan:
I get a panic attack when I ponder not having these Peet’s medium roast coffee pot, and a sentimental coffee cup makes it all taste sweeter.
Me:
Oh this is so sweet! Your daughters are so cute :)
How old are they here when you took this photo?
And was this a present from someone?
Allan:
We originally made these mugs for the girl’s grandparents; so I bet the cup is 20 years old. So I bet Olivia is 6 ish and Taylor is 11.
Me:
Nice!
I use to make my grandparents things like that as well, and now I inherited them. It’s something I made but still make me think of them when I see them.
You are a very active person Allan. How is the quarantine life going? Do you get to do some outside activity?
Allen:
We’re so fortunate to live where we do. The US Naval Academy golf course is our backyard (11th hole) and it’s closed for renovations now and I go for long daily power walks there. Also Sally and I turned our workshop into a small gym so we can workout there. I’ve done all our spring yard work this year as well since I’m always home.
Me:
That’s amazing! Really, you are talking to a non exercising homebody. But even I started to miss outside activity. My current dream to live somewhere with garden or outside space.
What is the one thing you want to do when coronavirus calms down and we are done quarantine?
Allan:
I really enjoy grocery shopping and with Covid-19, going to the grocery store has become stressful and it feels risky, I want it to be fun again!
Me:
Oh I totally get that!
Allan, can I come onto your boat once we are done with the quarantine life? That's what I WANT TO DO when this is all ove ;)
Allan:
We would LOVE to have you on the boat at any time it’s all clear. I want to be on the boat too! Miss you my friendHugs (virtual of course)
Me:
Than you Allan so much for the interview!
I have to tell everyone. Allan is the chair of illustration department at MICA. He is the center of the MICA family that I have :)
Hopefully I will get to hang out and see all my MICA friends! I miss you all and I am happy to be able to introduce some of you here on my blog!
———————
Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
My friend's quarantine shopping list "MICA week"---- #37 Lisa (Baltimore, MD)
This week I wanted to introduce you to my illustration department family! I started working full time teaching at Maryland Institute College of Art in the Fall 2018. One of the reason why I decided to do the crazy commute from NY to Baltimore is those people! They are incredible people and talented illustrators who I get great inspirations from. It’s very unfortunate that covid-19 happened that we had move to the online teaching and I don’t get to see them everyweek. Also I love the students at MICA! We have a group of super talented Senior 2020 this year. They are graduating in one week. I will start putting some of my students work here on this blog.
Ok! Let’s start the interview!
Me:
What is your essential item/food on your quarantine shopping list?
Lisa:
Some items I have bought in quarantine have been:
- Oxbow Timothy Hay (this is food for Blanche!)
- Nineteen Crimes Red Wine
- Pacific Foods Organic Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
- Parsley (also for Blanche!)
Me:
Ohhhh I love your shopping list is a list for two. (Blanche is a cute rabbit Lisa has)
I must ask about Blanche! How old is she and how did you meet her?
Lisa:
Blanche DuBun is my beloved rabbit companion. We recently celebrated our nine year anniversary since her adoption day! She was an adult rabbit when we met, so I suppose she is likely about ten years old. The house rabbit online community affectionately refers to a rabbit of her age as an "elder bun." (a term I find hilarious and fascinating!) We met because a childhood cohort of my brother's was looking to rehome her. (It's a long story, but this friend had ended a rocky relationship with someone who had acquired LOTS of animals before things ended and she left, so he had several animals he was looking to find homes for.) The day I met her, I put baby carrots in my pockets to stack the deck in my favor. And the rest, as they say, is history!
Me:
Awwww. Elder bun!
I love the story of you, two.
Is she happy that you are at home all the time?
Lisa:
I think so! We have been hanging out a lot! She is very popular when she appears on Zoom calls.
Me:
I can just imagine! I can stare at her on zoom forever! I wish she has her own webcam channel, I would turn it in! I don’t know many people who have rabbit.
Have you had a rabbit before Branch?
Lisa:
I never had a bunny before Blanche! I didn't really grow up with pets, though I've always loved animals.
Me:
That’s great!
I grew up with dog who I adored, but when I was in college I adopted a cat and since then I became more of a cat person! I don’t know If our personality match better or just their very round shape my brain completely scream cats over dogs now. haha.
What makes Blanche happy? What makes you happy? Is there a moment you share two of you that is special?
Lisa:
Blanche likes blueberries, bananas, head pets, running around very fast at night, and her budding celebrity status. I enjoy making art for myself, listening to musical theater soundtracks, improv theater, catching up with friends, and fine cheeses. I think a special moment we share might be that every evening, I sit on the floor and she sits next to me, and I just pet her head and ears for as long as she wants. It's a nice calm, quiet moment for me to think and process, and I think it relaxes her as well. A more specific special moment was that when I was recruited by my previous job, the company paid for her plane ticket to move too! I have a ticket somewhere that says "bunny in cabin."
Me:
"bunny in cabin”! I am melting. That’s so nice you two have a clam evening together. I really miss having an animal company.
Thank you so much Lisa for the interview!
Here are some adorable photos of Lisa and Blanche!!!
Lisa is incredible illustrator, she illustrated those beautiful frames on the photos :)
———————
Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
My friend's quarantine shopping list "MICA week"---- #36 Joyce (Baltimore, MD)
This week I wanted to introduce you to my illustration department family! I started working full time teaching at Maryland Institute College of Art in the Fall 2018. One of the reason why I decided to do the crazy commute from NY to Baltimore is those people! They are incredible people and talented illustrators who I get great inspirations from. It’s very unfortunate that covid-19 happened that we had move to the online teaching and I don’t get to see them everyweek. Also I love the students at MICA! We have a group of super talented Senior 2020 this year. They are graduating in one week. I will start putting some of my students work here on this blog.
Ok! Let’s start the interview!
Me:
What is your essential item/food on your quarantine shopping list?
Joyce:
1. Kalamata Olives
I normally don’t buy a big jar because I know I will eat them too quickly. But when I was doing my quarantine shopping, they jumped in my shopping cart. We added them to pasta dishes and salads. I suspect some were smuggled out of the kitchen as snacks. Unfortunately, my family thought they were wonderful too. Now they are gone, and I miss them terribly.
2. Kiwi plants
We’ve been having a problem with hawks attacking our chickens so I wanted to plant some trellises with vines as a way to provide more places for the chickens to hide when they are free-ranging. I’ve never tried growing kiwi before. I bought two plants. I’m pretty excited that the chickens will get some shady hiding places, and I will get fresh kiwis!
Me:
This story about the chickens and kiwi plant sounds like a new children's book ready to be written! Are you going to write about your chickens one day???
Joyce:
You would think so, right? I haven’t worked chickens into any stories yet. Right now I’m working on a book about a girl who turns into a tree. It’s been a lot of fun to work on, because I love drawing trees. Chickens are fun to draw too, so maybe someday I’ll work on a story for them. They have a lot of personality and are a lot of fun to watch. We’re getting more chickens next week and I can’t wait. They will arrive by express mail (hopefully). It’s always fun when they show up and the box is peeping!
Me:
Oh I can’t wait to see your new book! It sounds beautiful already.
The story about the chicken, how they arrive to your house is still surreal to me!
Before you sent me the photo, I have never seen the Kiwi plant before. I looked it up for the first time and learned how they grow and what their flowers look like.
I got so nerdy and looking went on a rabbit hole of researching about Kiwi. When I think about kiwi, my head immediately goes to New Zealand but I didn't know Italy now grows more kiwi now!!!
Fascinating: )
It would be great to taste Baltimore Kiwi!!!
Do you know how long it will take for you to harvest the fruit?
Joyce:
I think it’s going to be about two years. I’ll have to be patient! I guess it wasn’t the most practical choice of things to plant, but I’ve had it on my mind for years.
Me:
That’s nice you get to have a fruit in two years, it will be really satisfying to taste them finally!
Thank you so much Joyce!
I wanted to share Joyce's new book "Pitter Pattern" This video is perfect for right now for the kids at home to watch, because not only the book reading but there is a Tie dye workshop in the end which kids can do easily at home! And I am attaching a few other craft videos from Pitter Pattern. Pasta print and felt quilt!
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Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
My friend's quarantine shopping list "MICA week" ---- #35 Heidi (Baltimore, MD)
This week I wanted to introduce you to my illustration department family! I started working full time teaching at Maryland Institute College of Art in the Fall 2018. One of the reason why I decided to do the crazy commute from NY to Baltimore is those people! They are incredible people and talented illustrators who I get great inspirations from. It’s very unfortunate that covid-19 happened that we had move to the online teaching and I don’t get to see them everyweek. Also I love the students at MICA! We have a group of super talented Senior 2020 this year. They are graduating in one week. I will start putting some of my students work here on this blog.
Ok! Let’s start the interview!
Me:
What is your essential item/food on your quarantine shopping list?
Heidi:
My Quarantine shopping list requirement is my Nespresso pods. I am an impatient coffee drinker, wonder why? So those instant little pods get me the coffee ASAP- plus it's good.
Back in 2012 my friend gave me her Nespresso Machine, given by her despised Mother-in-law who failed to see she was a tea drinker, ever since then I’ve been addicted.
Me:
I'm always thinking about getting one of these machines! But my kitchen is so small, I'm still using one of those stove top espresso maker :)
I see your book project on your website about coffee! It shows all kinds of ways to make coffee, I love this series. It's fun virtual travel all over the world!
Can you tell me a little about this project?
Heidi:
Oh yes, Thanks for checking that out. It is a calendar 2021. Being printed right now. I’ll be selling them on my Etsy shop. And eventually see if I can get an actual publisher interested in purchasing them as well. I will also sell individual prints. This project was started in the beginning of the year and I finished a few weeks ago. I Love coffee!!! I love espresso. Those little machines are awesome, I do think buying those little capsules are insane, they cost too much. But they do recycle them, you can order a free bag to drop off at the post office. So the company is doing that right.
Me:
Wow that’s a great project!!!
I’m posing some of the illustration below.
I think there will be a lot of people would want this calendar! I noticed since I started this project that many people are coffee drinkers and their essential list included coffee.
Are you drinking more coffee since you are home all the time?
Heidi:
I have always drank a lot of coffee. Now that I am home more, I am probably saving money by having my fancy coffees at home and not at café’s. Its just so nice, warm and cozy with that bit of a kick.
Me:
Yes I agree! I was paying like $5 per coffee at the cafe. I still miss the atmosphere of the coffee shops but I do like the fact I’m saving money and I am getting better at making a perfect cup of coffee at home.
How are your doggies? are they super happy that you are home all the time now? Did they turn into baby puppies following you around the house all day?
Heidi:
Ha, yes! They are happy I am home. Rio, my chihuahua Whippet mix, follows me constantly. Lucy, the wiener is more chill. They are my witnesses of my coffee consumption. BTW I love your nespresso painting!!
Me:
Thank you so much Heidi! And thank you for the interview :)
It makes me happy to imaging you at home being cozy sipping coffee with Rio and Lucy.
Here are some of the coffee illustration from Heidi’s future calendar 2021!
Aren’t those so beautiful? If you like them here is Heidi’s website, you can buy them the end of the year from there! http://www.heidiyounger.com/
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Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
"Family Week!" My friend's quarantine shopping list ---- #34 Guin & Durwin Family (Grand Rapids, MI)
This week is a family week! I was so curious how are my friends with family especially with kids doing during this quarantine time. I wanted to know :)
Me:
How are you guys doing in Grand Rapids?
Guin:
We’re doing okay! We are both professors, and teaching online is very tricky, especially with a little guy underfoot. But we’re making it work! Grand Rapids is on lockdown, so everything but essentials is shut down. It’s surreal. We’ve been thinking about our New York pals a lot, I really hope it’s going okay for you!
Me:
Thank you! Yes I am staying inside :) It's surreal here, too. This week is a family week for my interviews. What is your essential food/item that made it on top of your quarantine list?
Guin:
We are trying to only go to the store once every 10 days or so. Ollie just turned 2 and is so picky right now, so there’s a limited amount of stuff he’ll actually eat. Milk, bananas, oranges, yogurt, and string cheese are all super important staples. I’ve been making a lot of green smoothies with spinach and kale to get some veggies into him, and us, too. I panic-bought a ton of butter so we can bake, so we’ve been baking quite a bit. There are these veggie and chicken nuggets that he really likes, and I bought 5 boxes of them when I found them at the grocery on my last big shop - they’re processed but at least they’re sort of nutritious? And booze. There was a lot of wine and beer in my cart. (I found two more boxes at the store, score!!)
Me:
I really like the balance of healthy and comfy food!
That must be hard when your kid is going through "I'm only eating this!" stage.
With a little kid and teaching full time online plus being an illustrator full time, what is your day like?
Guin:
Durwin and I teach on opposite days, so we tag-team it. I get up with Ollie in the morning and we eat some breakfast, then read books, play with toys, or color. If it’s my day to teach, I’ll go upstairs in the studio around 11:30 and do my lectures, demo, whatever for that day. If it’s not, I’ll stay down with Ollie and we’ll hang out, have lunch, a dance party (he loves Yo Gabba Gabba and watching drumming videos), and then while he naps I try to get something done around the house. We try and get outside every day but it hasn’t been too nice here lately, hopefully that changes now that it’s almost May! If not he has a toddler trampoline, stacking blocks, anything to get that energy out. We eat dinner, he goes to bed and Durwin and I either get more work done or we zone out in front of Netflix until I pass out. Toddlers are super exhausting!
Me:
OMG. Sounds like full days!
Yo Gabba Gabba! Haha Ollie and I have a same taste, I love the character design on Yo Gabba Gabba. Is there any fun activities you recommend to do with small kids at home?
Guin:
2 year olds are hard because their attention span isn’t super long! So I try for things that will hold his attention but don’t worry when he moves on after a minute. He’s really into stacking, sorting, and putting things into things. I made him a sensory bin with dried beans, some small measuring scoops and plastic cups, and buried some smaller bath toys in the beans. He really likes picking them up one at a time, or dumping them from one cup to another. He also likes to paint, so I put tape on the front glass door in a pattern and we’re going to paint it (with super washable paint) so it looks like stained glass. The Instagram Busy Toddler has one million ideas for small dudes!
Me:
Wow Ollie is so lucky to have such creative artists parents! I want to paint the glass door with him :)
I will put the instagram link you suggested here for my friends with toddlers ;) —> https://www.instagram.com/busytoddler/?hl=en
Thank you so much Guin!!! I know you are so busy. I appreciate you took some time for me my friend!
And I wanted to share what Guin and Durwin built this year at their university with their senior students!
Here is the website to see all works from the senior 2020 illustration major at Grand Vally State University (Grand Rapids, MI)
http://www.gvsuillustratorsforhire.com/
And here is their virtual show case!!!
https://playcanv.as/p/496b1349/
———————
Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
"Family Week!" My friend's quarantine shopping list ---- #33 Rachael Family
This week is a family week! I was so curious how are my friends with family especially with kids doing during this quarantine time. I wanted to know :)
Me:
What is your essential item/food on your quarantine shopping list?
Rachael:
My main quarantine items have been almond butter and plain whole wheat bread. My son Is a very selective eater and it’s the biggest part of his diet, even though we are trying to get him to eat new foods. I got so nervous about getting bread at first, because it was sold out everywhere. Eventually I found a delivery service that would go to Target and pick it up for me. After that I found other places but I was ready to have Panera bake bread for us for way too many dollars and deliver it. Now I am out of freezer space because I tried to buy it multiple places online, not knowing which place would actually bring it, because when you place an order for delivery, you don’t know what will come. But I’m about to make a new order so we will see what happens, because even a freezer full of bread is only about 9 days of bread for my guy. And delivery takes about a week to come, so I’m constantly counting bread loaves. Experiencing even just a small sliver of food insecurity has really opened my eyes, and I hope I never forget what this felt like, since so many people have to worry about feeding their kids every day.
Me:
Freezer full of bread! I get it, bread is a comfy food and it's delicious :) I'm glad you were able to get some!
It sounds like you are trying to get hands on any bread, does your son have a favorite kind of bread?
Rachael:
Oh yes. He is eating a lot of Sara Lee Whole Wheat bread. Normally he eats a healthier brand, but this has been easier to get. Now his Grandmothers have stepped in to try to get him to eat home baked bread!
Me:
I should try freezing a bread as well. I have never though of that. I was just eating crackers and one of those bread that last forever which has a texture of a cardboard....
Next shopping, I will get a loaf and freeze!
I'm a huge fan of your drawing and I want to share! Especially your new work from your recent residency. Can you tell me a bit about the residency and your experience?
Rachael:
Thank you for the drawing love. The residency was huge for me. In all my time as an adult, I have never taken a trip on my own, and I was really needing some time on my own, to focus on artwork with no expectations. I worked on two book proposals and just played around a lot. The Spruceton Inn hosts artists each winter, and provide free lodging. I took long walks every morning, and wrote and made drawings all day. At night, I’d read books in bed. I am so grateful to have done the residency right before Corona started!
Me:
That is amazing. Did the nature inspired you?
Rachael:
Absolutely. West Kill, NY in the Catskills, where Spruceton Inn is, is absolutely stunning. The colors change all day long according to the cloud cover and weather, and I was inspired to use deep red and rusty brown colors, something I don’t usually do.
Me:
Thank you so much for the interview Rachael!!!
I love hearing about your drawing inspiration. Here are some drawings, with deep red and rusty brown now I see a little story behind I feel even closer to your drawings!
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Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
"FAMILY WEEK!" MY FRIEND'S QUARANTINE SHOPPING LIST ---- #32 Kimiko FAMILY (Montreal, Canada)
This week is a family week! I was so curious how are my friends with family especially with kids doing during this quarantine time. I wanted to know :)
Me:
自己隔離ショッピング何買った？
What is your essential food/item that made it on top of your quarantine list?
Kimiko:
りんごときゅうりかな。
Apples and cucumbers!
Me:
それはヘルシーだね。家族みんなきゅうり好きなの？
That’s so healthy.
Do you all like cucumbers?
Kimiko:
みんな好きだけど特に琴音。
Yes, we all like cucumbers but especially our daughter Kotone.
塩とか梅酢をかけて、彼女は学校のおやつとかもキュウリが一番喜ぶ🥒
She likes it simply with salt or sour plum vinegar. She prefers cucumber as her school snack, too.
あとは、パスタサラダが多いかな。
And also I make pasta salad with cucumbers for the family.
Me:
本当に健康的！ 私も実は、子供の時野菜しか食べない子供で、おやつにカフェに家族でよっても兄のアイスクリームを横目にサラダ頼んでたから、ことちゃんに共通の何かを感じる。 笑
Oh so healthy! Ha. I was the same as a child. When I was small I only ate vegetables, when we go to cafe to have some snacks I usually got the salad while my brother would get ice cream. I was definitely a weird child… I feel some special bond with Cotone haha.
自己隔離で子供もずっと一緒でしょ。毎日どんな生活してるの？
Now the kids are at home all the time, what is your day like?
Kimiko:
7時前には起きてあそび-朝食-学校課題-おやつ-遊び-お昼-午後の課題やったりして-おやつ-遊び-夕食-おふろ-就寝。かな
We wake up before 7am —> Play —> Breakfast—> School work—> Snack —> Play—>Lunch —>School work —> Snack —> Play —> Dinner—> Bath —> Bed
Me:
凄い詰まった１日だね。家での遊び、どんなことしてるのかな？
ハマってることある？
Wow that’s a full day. What is the inside play? What kind of things are they into?
Kimiko:
家具と布(シーツみたいなもの)をくっつけていって、テントみたいなの作ったり、縫い物、編み物、折り紙、お絵かき。と忙しそうだよ。
They are busy, making play house with sheets and furniture, sewing, knitting, crafting Origami, and drawing.
最近は、折り紙は、指がおかしくなりそうなくらい折ってる😅
Recently they are especially into Origami, they are folding a lot till their fingers start hurting. haha.
琴音は、これを機にひらがなを覚えたから、最近は今日の一言を描いてるよ。こうは、ご飯を作るのにハマってるよ。チャーハンとか。パンをこねたり。
Cotone (age 7) learned how to write Japanese Hiragana during the quarantine, so she has been writing “Today’s word by Cotone.” And Coh (Age 5) is really into cooking and baking. He has been cooking fried rice and baking bread.
Me:
なんか血は争えないね！きみちゃんは手先凄い器用だしベイキングうまいし、ひろっちゃんはシェフで料理うまいものね。
Ah! They really took after you two. You are super crafty and a great baker, and Hiroshi is a great chief!
Kimiko:
ずっと家だから、喧嘩もしてるけど、2人での遊び方が変わってきて、仲良く遊んでるよ。
They fight sometimes since they are both at home all the time now, but they are adjusting. Learning how to play together inside and they have been getting along well these days.
Me:
子供ってすごいなー。状況への対応能力も凄いし、いろいろ生み出す力も凄い。他の家族の人にアドバイスありますか？
I admire how kids can adopt quickly to new situations and they can be so creative!
Do you have any advice for other families?
Kimiko:
アドバイスかわかんないけど、いろいろやってもらう、ご飯とか、洗濯、掃除。と寝る時間！2人は、案外寝る時間が狂うと次の日涙、喧嘩不機嫌が多くなるから、ずっと家にいても、寝る時間は気をつけてるかな。
I don’t know if this is an advice but have a chore for each family members, cooking, laundry, and cleaning. Everyone chip in to the home making tasks. And the most important thing is to get enough sleep. When my kids don’t get enough sleep the next day they get grumpy. Because we have to stay home everyday and it’s easy to get the sleeping schedule off, we are really trying to keep up with a healthy routine!
Me:
きみちゃんありがとう！！！
Thank you Kimiko!!!
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Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
"FAMILY WEEK!" MY FRIEND'S QUARANTINE SHOPPING LIST ---- #31 Len FAMILY (Brooklyn, NY)
This week is a family week! I was so curious how are my friends with family especially with kids doing during this quarantine time. I wanted to know :)
Me:
What is your essential food/item that made it on top of your quarantine list?
Len:
Shopping list (not a survival list):
1. Chocolate chips. These go with everything in our household - pancakes, waffles, cookies, and often just eaten straight from the bag for dessert. We like the Guittard (which are nut-free for our friends with allergies), but I prefer the Nestle Tollhouse chocolate chip cookie recipe.
2. Panko. Perfect for everything breaded and delicious. I add to my son's meatballs to give 'em an extra crunch.
3. Mustard. To be honest, this is really for me. I must have a strong mustard for sandwiches, salad dressings, and marinades. There's a lot of mustards that have corn syrup in it, ewww! My brother-in-law and sister-in-law gifted me a big jar. Can it last the whole pandemic??
4. Coffee. For my wife, who must have coffee in the morning. We're in love with Partners Coffee right now, and they ship their bags! Yes, we're a cliche with the Brooklyn blend, but it's really nutty and delicious.
Me:
This is really a great list! Thank you Len!I have no idea how to shop for family of 4!
Do you guys make a massive list?
Len:
We do have an enormous list! We keep a written tab on our fridge. I'm always intrigued when I find "KIT KATS" somehow at the bottom!
Shopping now is tough because I'm planning for about two weeks of eating. With kids, they are creatures of habit, so the chicken fingers start to disappear quickly! We've learned quarantine is not the place to introduce our kids to new foods. We're just happy if they get one good vegetable at a meal.
Me:
Omg. I can’t even imagine shopping for 4 for two weeks worth of food. I agree it is good to stick with basics and comfort food. I always find chocolate in the bottom of my list, too. haha.
But chocolate chip is cleaver, you can put chocolate chips in everything. Is this a recent trend or family tradition?
Len:
My wife's family are all bakers, and our kids have the bug too. However, for some reason I am the only one that likes cooked fruit! My midwestern ancestors had a business called "Small, Small & Small Pie Plant Company"— pie plant is another name for rhubarb—so I grew up with fruit pies. Unfortunately no one in my family has farmed in a long time. But I do make a mean strawberry-rhubarb streusel.
Me:
Strawberry-rhubarb streusel sounds amazing! Have you guys tried some new baking or meal recipe since this quarantine started?
Len:
We discovered a great kids baking book called "Baking Class" - it's great because the recipes are easy enough for kids, and the recipes are quite tasty. We've been making pretzel rolls and challah. Here's a link to the book! http://www.deannafcook.com/baking-class-1
Me:
This looks like a great book thank you!
I’m sure now since the school is closed your kids are all at home.
How are they adjusting to the online school? (How old are your kids? )
Len:
My kids are 11 and 8. They've been doing alright with online school, but they have their moments. We understand the tears, it's hard not to get in on the crying. My son just found out about his middle school - he's very excited about where he's going, but we also don't know what things are going to be like in the fall. Will he actually be able to attend his new school in person? I hope they will get to see friends again soon.
Me:
Oh, I do feel for him. Yes being with friends are the biggest part of going to school and yes he must have been very excited about the new school.
And how are you adjusting to the home office?
Len:
I feel lucky about my work; I've been working from home one day per week since I started my art director role at Columbia Magazine. But even with a magazine, there is so much you get overhearing an interesting conversation, being around each other to swap ideas, or get an honest opinion about a design, that can't be replicated.
Me:
Right, that is true. Social part of the office is where the new idea comes out sometimes.
How is the quarantine life in general? Any new family tradition, any activity idea?
Len:
Before quarantine we always tried to have meals together; now we're really doing it! We do try to replicate experiences; recently we've been doing a 'restaurant' for Sunday brunch. We design a menu, and two of us get to be the customers, and get a server to take their order and pour water! The last restaurant we did was called "The Four Flowers" and had an excellent fruit bowl.
Me:
This is such a fun idea! I love this. I want to go to “The Four Flowers”!
Do you have any other advice for other families who have small kids at home right now?
Len:
For parents; be kind to yourself. Build in activities, but be flexible. Puzzles and board games still work! As do musical jams - you'd be surprised how fun it is just to make up a song.
To cook: pizza night is still a big success at our house. Surprisingly, making a salad together works with everyone too. Cooking one thing together can bring great satisfaction.
For my entertainment, some things I've been ingesting in no particular order: "Inappropriate" by Gabrielle Bell, "The Beautiful Ones" by Prince, Alison Roman's cookbooks, "Better Things" on FX/Hulu, "Last Week Tonight", "The Expanse." For adults, I hope you all watched Watchmen on HBO, it was so damn good. For kids, we watched "The Biggest Little Farm" which is beautiful and inspiring, and never pandering. Of course, anything Studio Ghibli - we're particular to "Spirited Away". Also, I LOVE this little activity book we got called "Offline Activities" by Jason Fulford and Tamara Shopsin. Each page is a tear-off activity. The first page says "DESTROY THIS BOOK" !!!
[https://theiceplant.cc/product/offline-activities/]
Me:
These are all great advice for family, kids, and adults. Thank you Len!
Ok this is the last question. What do you want to do when this is all done and life goes back to normal?
Len:
I want to sit at an outdoor cafe and order coffee and croissants with all my family and friends until my stomach hurts.
Me:
Ha! Sounds like a great day, I will bring my empty stomach to your croissants extravaganza!
Thank you so much for the interview Len!!!!!
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Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
"Family Week!" My friend's quarantine shopping list ---- #30 Yoko Family (Tokyo, Japan)
This week is a family week! I was so curious how are my friends with family especially with kids doing during this quarantine time. I wanted to know :)
Me:
自己隔離ショッピング何買った？
What is your essential food/item that made it on top of your quarantine list?
Yoko:
お米かなー 後はオムツとミルクね。
Rice! Diapers and powder milk for my baby.
東京は普通にスーパーやってるし、私、1週間分まとめ買いとかも苦手だから、あんまり計画的に買い込めてないなー
All the grocery stores are open normally in Tokyo. I prefer not to stock up food for the week so I haven’t really planned and made a list yet.
Me:
このオムツのウサギ可愛いね！
Rabbit on this diaper package is so cute!
Yoko:
赤ちゃんグッズはウサギキャラ多し。
Yes, there are so many rabbit characters for baby products in Japan.
Me:
日本はどんな感じ？赤ちゃんがいるとお散歩とか行かなきゃだね。みんなマスクしてる？
How is it in Japan? When you have baby you need to go for a sun bath and walk, does everyone wear mask on the street?
Yoko:
赤ちゃんいるし、地元でウロウロしているだけだと、そんなに変化やピリピリした感じはないかな。
Yes, because of the baby I walk around in my neighborhood, there are not much change and no nervous energy here.
もともとだけど、みんなほぼ100%マスクしてるよ。
I guess Japanese always wore masks, but now 100% people are wearing masks.
小さな子供でもマスクしてる。この前見かけたお母さんは赤ちゃんには大きすぎる子供用マスクに目を出す穴を開けて付けててびっくりした。
Even a small child. The other day, I saw a baby wearing adult size mask! The mother made two holes on the mask for baby’s eyes.
Me.
あはは、それはおもしろすぎる。
Ahaha that’s so funny.
朝ちゃんの最近のお気に入りのアクティビティーとかある？
How is Asako? Does she have new activities she like?
Yoko:
離乳食のお皿を持って、舐めまくり、手でおかゆを塗り広げてる。そして、グーパーできるのが楽しいらしく、自分の手をじっと見てる。
She holds her plate and lick them clean, and plays with congee.
Oh and recently she stares at her hands opening and closing, I think for her it’s fun.
Me:
順調に大きくなってるね！
Ohh she is growing :)
オムツは普通に店頭並んでる？
Can you buy diapers at the store? No missing products?
Yoko:
最近は問題なく買えるよ。1人1パックとかの制限は多少あるけどね。
Yes, these days we can get them no problem. There are limit of one package per person though.
私は使ってないけど、赤ちゃんグッズの消毒するミルトンって言うのが、普通に消毒したい人に買い占められて、お母さん達が困ってるって聞いたよ。
I don’t use it but there is a product called “Milton” which is a antibacterial cleaner for baby products. Now days people without baby buy them for regular cleaning use so they are no longer available, some mothers are really frustrated about that.
新生児がいる人やこれから産む人は不安だよね。
I feel bad for moms who just had a baby and having baby soon.
Me:
ほんとだね。
Oh yes I feel bad for them, too.
コロナが収まったら、まずこれがやりたいとかある？？？
Is there anything you want to do once everything clam down?
Yoko:
旅行！出来れば、海外！
Traveling! Hopefully foreign travel.
改めて気づいたけど、乳児育児って、ある意味自己隔離&諸々自粛だよなーって。
I knew this before but I realized again that raising kids is kind of a quarantine and self-restraint.
今、外出できずにメンタル弱ってる人も多いと思うけど、そら、お母さん達、産後うつになっても当然だよなって。
I hear there are many people currently feeling depress because they can’t go outside because of the covid-19, but I think for newly mom it’s so easy to become postpartum depression even the situation is normal.
Me:
うん、お母さん達大変だよね。
最近ハマってることとか、赤ちゃんがいる人にアドバイスとかあったらお願いします。
Yes, totally. So hard for moms!
Do you have any advice for mom with baby or something you are doing to feel less stress?
Yoko:
メルカリで赤ちゃんグッズ買ってる〜
Internet shopping! I buy some baby products :)
アドバイスできるような事はないけど、とにかく手抜き出来るだけ手抜きしよーって思う。そして、在宅勤務で家にいる夫を使おう！
I don’t have much of an advice but I am trying to be kind to myself and relax a little. No need to be perfectionist, cutting corner is important. And if your husband is working from home, use him!
Me:
あはは、まっきーありがとう！！！
ahaha Thank you Yoko for the interview!!!
———————
Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
My friend's quarantine shopping list ---- #29 Debra (Brooklyn, NY)
Me:
I saw a photo of Francie (my friend Debra’s doggie) on a patch of glass in her instagram and I had to interview!!!
Debra, how did you get the idea of getting this patch of grass?
I had no idea this kind of thing exist.
Debra:
I wanted Francie to have options!
As in, not my rug and not the floor.
So I looked online for sod and found this.
Me:
What was Francie’s reaction?
Debra:
Complete and total disdain.
She’s my tsundere queen! (tsundere is a Japanese term for a character development process that depicts a person who is initially cold (and sometimes even hostile) before gradually showing a warmer, friendlier side over time.)
Me:
Ahaha Tsundere queen, I can see that! She is a DIVA!
How many times does she usually go out side for a walk?
Debra:
Normally a minimum of 4-5x a day. I love walking her and she enjoys strolling down Atlantic Avenue shopping (aka: begging) for treats at all the stores. Before we hunkered down we walked between 8-18k steps a day. Now it’s like 200!
Me:
Wow that’s a lot of walking. Aw I bet as much as she misses all the shop owners, they mush miss her, too. That’s a huge adjustment. Does she use the patch?
Debra:
She’s definitely not using it for its intended purpose.
I’ve spied her nibbling on it when she thought I wasn’t watching. That tiny rascal!!! It’s now under the coffee table and I put my feet in the grass while I’m watching TV.
Me:
Aw, she is like a cat. I kind of love the idea of having a green patch everywhere in the house… did it cross your mind to get more?
Debra:
Omg. YES. But I’m also happy with my houseplants and AeroGarden.
I'm growing two types of basil, mint and thyme. Ordering grass for purely aesthetic purposes doesn’t feel right at the moment.
As the weeks pass and the death toll rises, I'm having a lot of internal debates over supporting businesses, even small ones that may not make it, at the cost of human lives.
After taking a break from illustration to pursue work in specialty food, I have some perspective on trying to survive on minimum wage. Essential workers are literally risking their lives for poverty level wages and very few protections from their employers or the government.
I'm cool with doing without anything I don't absolutely need for the time being.
Me:
That’s so true.
I am trying to minimize the shopping and the number to visit the store as well. Now every two weeks but if I can make the food last even longer. I see so many people still from my windows that don’t wear masks… it makes me so mad!
What do you guys do inside now? any fun?
Debra:
I’ve been watching The Sopranos virtually with a friend!
Can you believe I’ve never seen it?
I didn't watch it when it first came out, 'cause it reminded me a little too much of where I grew up.
Right now though, it's been the perfect escape.
My New Yawk accent is crazy shtrwong from listenin' to them tawk. Fuggethaboutit!
Your Pretty Face Is Going To Hell is my go-to when I need a good laugh.
If anyone out there watches it, DM me! We need to discuss.
I've only done one doodle this whole time. It's of an Inuit Giantess I learned about on Last Podcast On The Left. She has big, pendulous breasts and giant vulva that drags to the ground. Love the idea of this being seen as a powerful thing!
Reminds me of this Joan River's joke about getting older:
"The vagina drops. One morning, I woke up and thought, Why am I wearing a bunny slipper? And why is it gray?"
Me:
OMG I am laughing hard!
I love the Joan River’s joke!
Reminds me of Jeanne Calment when she turned 110 she said, "I've only ever had one wrinkle, and I'm sitting on it.”
You know what, I think I only have seen one or two episode of The Sopranos. I should watch so we can talk like New Yawker on the phone!!!
Thank you so much Debra for this fun interview.
Really lift me up!
I’m posting Debra’s master piece here and sweet sweet photo of Francie’s ;)
(Love this drawing by the way, such a great energy!)
———————
Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
My friend's quarantine shopping list ---- #28 Ana (Lisbon, Portugal)
Me:
What is your essential food/item that made it on top of your quarantine list?
Ana:
Must have natural yogurt for my breakfast! That I mix with fruit and various seeds. And Strawberries!
Me:
lovely packaging! Is this your favorite kind of yogurt?
Ana:
It is. It´s natural and it´s perfect to eat with a mixture of seeds and strawberry or banana. It gives me the strength I need to begin a new day.
Me:
Yummm nice way indeed to start the day!
How is your quarantine life in Lisboa?
Ana:
I have been mostly positive about it, even if I know there are lots of things that will never be the same and that we´ll loose a lot with this whole new situation. The city of Lisbon is super quiet now, I can even hear the birds and people are respecting the guidelines from the national health care institutions, which is a relief.
Me:
That’s great that everyone is respecting the guidelines. Staying home needs getting use to, have you started something new while quarantine?
Ana:
It is not actually something new but it´s something that I haven´t done for a long time: play the guitar and find the chords for those songs that I really like.
Me:
That’s so nice! Ah I wish I am more musical person. That sounds so fun to play guitar and sing.
Talking about creativity are you cooking or baking as well?
Ana:
I´ve been cooking and baking a lot. I love it! And all of this is so new to me. The idea of thinking carefully about what you eat and dedicate time and energy for that it´s been quite surprising. I made bread already, I even made cottage cheese and fresh pasta. I´ve been sharing my pastries with the neighbors. We´ve been sharing a lot of things.
Me:
That is super inspiring! I’ve been trying new things, too. I just made Chinese scallion pancake last week, it was surprising for me that it was more like baking bread. I was thinking more of Japanese and Korean pancake. It needs so much care, time, and technique. I am realizing a lot of food that I was taking advantage of eating out and thought it’s easy to make are actually quite difficult or time consuming! I have another layer of appreciations for those dishes.
You are super close with your family. Are you calling them everyday?
Ana:
Being apart from my family has been the hardest part. But we´ve been reinventing everything! I start my day doing some gymnastic with my father, then we do a lot of video calls and we also have a whatsapp group where we are in constant contact. It´s been hard but beautiful at the same time. We are a close family and now we fell even closer.
Me:
Awww that’s wonderful. You are always so positive and I am always inspired by you :)
Thank you so much for being part of this interview series!!!
———————
Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
My friend's quarantine shopping list ---- #27 Célia (Montpellier, France)
Me:
What is your essential food/item that made it on top of your quarantine list?
Célia:
I can’t figure out where time is going since every days are the same.
I discovered the last text message Hannes sent me the day before the lockdown: It was kind of emergency saying : «buy a few Tesa rolls! ». This is evidence-based :)
Me:
Ahaha. This is a mysterious item!
why this tape? Is this his favorite?
Célia:
The last text message I received from Hannes* before the lockdown was asking to bring some Tesa tape rolls back home. I rediscovered this message a few weeks after and it make me laugh. No food or toilet paper but masking tape! The Tesa tape is like an old friend. It was the everyday companion of my architecture studies. It useful for everything including making plaster when I cut myself.
* the half of everything I’m doing
Me:
Oh ha! Tape is Hannes’ best friend! What do you use the tape for after you brought him back?
Célia:
This time we use it for painting the walls and ceiling of our home. Since September we’re in the middle of a total renovation of our house which was needing insulation everywhere.
We couldn’t work without this tape.
Me:
The tape saved you!!!! I’m being nosy here, how many did you get?
Célia:
I couldn’t get some, they were out of stock at the shop. Luckily I found two rolls in our house. They were for my teaching classes. Yes, I teach the students how important is this tape and I was horrified to find out that some 3rd year students didn’t know about it.
Me:
Haha the tape drama! Yes tapes and tools are super important!
How are you doing in general? What is your day like now?
Célia:
We’re trying to find a balance in the day like a buddhist monastery. We’re influence by a documentary saw at the beginning of the quarantine.
Morning: yoga, writing work on projects
Afternoon: Let’s get physical : painting the house, making ceramics, making bread, kefir, pickles or yoga. I would like to try to make some kimchi after Choi's receipt.
It’s nice to do something with an evolution at this moment where everything is still.
Me:
Nice! Yes try Choi’s recipe! (porkbellycomics.com)
I like you guys routine, creative works in the morning and more physical works in the afternoon. That totally makes sense!
Thank you so much Célia!!!!!
I got some photos of their beautiful ceramic pieces that they have been working at home these days.
You can also see their other design works (https://www.celiahannes.net/)
———————
Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!
My friend's quarantine shopping list ---- #26 Jimin (Baltimore, MD)
Me:
What is your essential food/item that made it on top of your quarantine list?
Jimin:
My essential item of my quarantine shopping list is coffee grounds. Thanks to my mom, she loves coffee and would drink every day. Growing up looking her, now I am a coffee lover and can't live without it. A warm coffee always wakes me for my day.
So far my favorite is this brand from Whole Foods. I enjoy brewing my coffee in pour over way. It is a sweet and smooth coffee taste. The process is very refreshing when I smell the coffee and the sound dripping down the filter. You should try it too!
Me:
It seems like coffee is essential for many of my friends. I didn’t know till I started this interviews how many people enjoy good coffee in many different way of preparing it!
Do you drink coffee straight? and how many times a day do you have coffee?
Jimin:
I also love to drink latte as well. I am not much a milk fan, but when I am craving for it I love to use my milk whisk and enjoy my latte. I drink maximum 2 coffee a day. Morning coffee makes me awake for the day and evening coffee is a refresher from my meal. With some sandwich or dessert, my coffee tastes even better!
Me:
Yes! When I’m in Japan I have coffee all the time after dinner. There I would go out with friends for dinner and go out for all night coffee shop and keep talking for hours :) Here I think there not much custom for drinking coffee at night time. I love that your mom loves coffee. Did you bring back your favorite Whole Foods coffee to your home?
Jimin:
Yes, I did! Our family used to live in New Jersey and she would always love to look around Whole Foods. It was actually one of her favorites from the store and I ended up liking them. Now she is in South Korea and would always ask for me to buy three of them for her when I visit home.
Me:
Aw! That is so sweet!!! Thank you so much Jimin for this interview!!!
I have been following your instagram and I love your sketchbook series. How did you start this series? Is there a story behind it?
Jimin:
There was a moment when I wanted to cheer myself with my drawings. I wanted to make myself busy so I decided to do some collages. Then I thought maybe putting some positive words and it all began. Instead of a sketchbook drawing, I want to call it positive vibe drawings. I am happy how it came out so far. I can't wait to see it combing all in a single book in the nearest future.
Me:
I love that! Positive vibe drawing. That’s true when I look at them I do feel positive and calm. Doing daily drawing is challenging for everyone, where does the inspiration comes from and what medium do you like to use the most? And what’s your favorite things to draw currently?
Jimin:
My inspiration comes from the photos I took and my current mood while I make the drawings. Photos are captures from particular moments and that influences me. If I need more reference photos, I love to look in the world of instagram. There are so many good photos that are hard for me get my own but to get inspired. The quarantine days sometimes made me less joy in creations. I knew I had to make myself busy and wanted to stay positive as much as I can. So I started to write down simple notes and combined them with daily drawings. It is hard for me to choose one medium that I like. It makes the process of drawing more exciting when I am combining all the mediums I love to use, which are color pencils, cut out pattern paper I made, pencils and markers.
My favorite things to draw changes often. Couple months ago it was houses and floating into the sky. At the moment I love to draw people and their surrounding environment. The green trees and flowers are a must too. I guess I am missing the people interaction. :)
Me:
Thank you Jimin!
I’m sharing one of her positive vibe drawing here! And you can see more here —-> https://www.instagram.com/jimnsuh
———————
Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!