HOW DO YOU STAY INSPIRED?
The ways I stay inspired are to look at beautiful things and immerse myself in art and books. Living in a most interesting city (in my opinion) helps, too. The architecture, scenes, history, people, even food in New York City can become my inspirations. I also love nature. So visiting botanical gardens and watching animal documentaries inspire me to create art.
What do you do in your spare time?
Cook, visit museums, take a walk with my dog, read books, write in my journals, go out and sketch, watch Netflix, take care of my little windowsill garden, and explore New York City.
I recently got an ukulele. I am still learning all the chords. So many things I'd like to do, so little time!
WHAT'S YOUR TYPICAL WORKING DAY LIKE?
I usually wake up around 7 and 8 in the morning. I walk and feed my dog Punchy first. Brew coffee with a Moka pot and make breakfast. Then I would sip my coffee while I go over my to-do list in front of the computer. I write down the tasks in my paper planner, sometimes I would also write something in Day One (a journal app), like the dreams I had the night before, or goals I’d like to achieve today. Then I start working. I try not to open any social media and emails in the morning because it’s the time I do my “deep work”; although things don’t always go as planned. I usually do the work that requires more brain power like writing and brainstorming ideas in the morning.
Drawing, coloring, checking emails, and updating social media are usually done in the afternoon. Then Punchy would come and ask me to take him for walk around 4 or 5 o’clock, depending on the season. In Winter we go out earlier because it gets dark early outside.
Sometimes I would go out to meet friends in the afternoon. Or visit museums.
I would go grocery shopping in the late afternoon and make dinner. After dinner, I continue to work, usually on replying students’ questions, bookkeeping, and other admin work. Sometimes I would just watch Netflix and relax for a bit. I would review the day and write in my journal before sleep.