Lately I've been grappling with the natural ebb and flow of energy we all experience in some form or another. Some weeks, it feels like running errands, making meals, and drinking enough water is all I can do, and other weeks are full of experiences, curiosity and creative projects. I often find myself wishing every week could be one of the fun ones, but I'm not sure that's realistic. 

I try to remember that my level of productivity (or the art I may or may not create) isn't tied to my innate value as a human, but it's so easy to forget, feel bad, and then keep moving the goal post forward perpetually. 

Let this be a reminder that we are worthy simply by existing, and to focus less on how much we get done, and more on approaching each day with acceptance and kindness toward ourselves.

From construction cones to California poppies, the color orange can completely transform itself depending on context. On one hand, it can signify urgency, emergency, alertness, and vigilance, but it can also convey exuberance, warmth, energy, happiness, and confidence. It had a major moment in the fashion trends of the 1960s and 70s, but is often used for road and construction signs. It's rare that a color can be so versatile, which is what makes it so interesting.

Images: Yasmine Mei floral arrangement | quilted jacket by Oroboro | coastal wildflowers photo taken by me | Nasturtiums by Dod Procter

This month's Art History anecdote is short and sweet, and has to do with Van Gogh's irises. You may be familiar with his Iris paintings, but how we see them now is not how they were originally painted.

Due to light-sensitive paint and exposure to the elements over the years, the red pigment in some of his paintings has faded over time, meaning that the blue irises I've become familiar with were actually supposed to be purple! As soon as I learned this fact, I threw some images into photoshop to see what they'd look like with more “accurate” colors. Obviously, these renderings are totally my own interpretation and I have no way of knowing exactly how they looked in Van Gogh's lifetime. I just thought it would be a fun little experiment! I've photoshopped a few more examples below, the current-day versions are shown first.

This quite monochromatic still life below used to have a pink background and purple petals! The energy is completely different between these two versions.

This still life of what appear to be white roses was originally described as a "canvas of pink roses against a yellow-green background in a green vase." 

I sincerely hope you enjoyed this email! If you have any thoughts to share or questions, please reach out on Instagram or reply to this email. I'd love to know if anything in particular captured your fascination.