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Music for Your Weekend: Multiple Goodies

Typically in my Music for Your Weekend posts I showcase one artist or group I am currently listening to, but this week I'd like to share four I'm excited about based on reviews and recommendations. I think they'd be great for long weekend activities.

Here they go (clockwise):

Sylvan Esso (self-titled)
So far I am totally diggin' this folk-y techno sound from Sylvan Esso's debut album.

Nikki-Nack from Tune-Yards
Love this mix of vibes from this artist who clearly is experimenting and playing with sound.

Xscape from Michael Jackson
I miss Michael. Especially lately. Because Michael is an ultimate artist and innovator, and I'm always inspired by creative people who follow their dreams, I've been really drawn to Michael's energy and creative process. A few weeks ago, after a late night of working, I YouTube'd vintage Michael interviews from the time of his Off the Wall and Thriller releases. Hearing him talk about his inspiration, his love for creating and performing, and making others happy with his work resonated with me as I embark on a new creative adventure.

I've heard very mixed reviews about this latest album, Xscape, which is a compilation of edited and unfinished works. Because I miss him so much, my plan is to get it and accept that fact that I will take what I can get. (Including the MJ hologram, which despite folks saying it's creepy, I actually enjoyed).

Coração a Batucar from Maria Rita
Daughter of the legendary Brazilian singer Elis Regina, has made a name of her own with a sweet eclectic sound. She's widely popular in Brazil, but I'm just getting hip to her amazing voice on this recent album infused with classic samba, pagode and bossa nova sounds.

Hand-made + Hand-dyed by Karina Manarin

Lovely scarves and tees from fiber-based studio Karina Manarin, where very item is hand-dyed and hand-made.

It's A Wrap Life

Loving The Wrap Life, which sells richly colorful and printed fabric for head-wraps. In addition to being a beautiful brand (and site) I appreciate the head-wrap tutorials that help us create the perfect wrap.

I'm an Artist + Inspiring Insider on Art.com

Did you know I just recently realized that I am an artist? Last December I was having a moment, a "who am I" moment and realized that I have never fully embraced this thing that is very much a part of me.

I colored it with other titles, other roles and job descriptions. Designer. Educator. Blogger. Illustrator. Because they are indeed what I do (and will continue to do), and because those make sense. When you say "assistant professor" or "graphic designer" people get it — there isn't much else to explain. It's easy. But none of those really encompass what is at my core. None of those fully express the creative spirit that makes me happy, that gives me life and energy.

When you say artist, it carries so much more beauty and strength, along with expectations, responsibility and of course baggage. I think that's where it got scary for me.

I had a preconceived idea of what being an artist meant. Even in undergrad at art school, it was always "we" (the designers, were going to be able to make money and payoff our student loans) and "them" (the fine artists, weren't). The world has painted this negative picture about what it means to be an artist. I knew for sure that I didn't want to starve, I didn't want to be gallery-hungry, I didn't want to live in a disheveled loft with ten other artists as we found our way while sharing a cup of Ramen noodles.

All of this was a very ignorant misconception of an artist's life, because what I never realized until now (or that day in December) is that I am responsible for defining what it means to be an artist to me. All artists are responsible for this, which is part of the beauty of being who we are, we can create the world and life we want. (If you want to take it even further, in essence we are all artists in that way. We are all responsible for creating the world and life we want, no matter what kind of work we do.)

Since this revelation, since this whirlwind of ideas and thoughts, so much has changed for me. My way of thinking has shifted and my creative process has evolved. I am happier, and all of this has attracted exciting and positive opportunities into my life.

One of which is this fun Inspiring Insider feature on ART.com. Check out my galleries to see art that inspires me and my work.

The same week I had my revelation, I went to the post office to ship some of my prints and the post-lady said to me as I walked up, "there she is, my little Artiste." Any other day it would have just been a cute greeting, but that day — in the same week of my "I am an artist" moment — I knew it was a clear message that I was on the right path.

Quilts from Ria

I love quilts. Designing my own collection is a project I'd like to pursue one day soon. Until then, here are some really beautiful ones from Ria.