Growing up is something that's totally strange. I think now that I'm a little older (well, not too old) I'm able to watch the people around me grow up too. Oddly enough, I've watched people grow up that I've never met. I'm talking about celebrities, and someone who I've never really particularly cared for is starting to blossom in ways I would never have imagined to occur. I'm talking, of course, about Jaden Smith. Meanwhile, you're reading this asking "Nyki, WTF, isn't this a Self-Help Art Blog?" You bet your bum it is, keep reading!
The holiday seasons are just around the corner, and tensions can be high when it's time to reconnect or not reconnect with loved ones. I was craving something to decrease my stress about going back home for the holidays. I live in a studio apartment with a friend, share a bunk bed, and pay an outrageous amount in rent. Sometimes, the quality of life in a big city can be bad if you're not making a ton of money (which I'm not). And with the housing crisis, the lack of privacy, not to mention the cost, I'm constantly looking for ways to relax and take a moment to myself in this stressful world!
“Students outside an Academy of Art building in the Financial District of San Francisco.” Image Credit: SF Citizen College is trippy. Everybody knows you go to college, and you come back as someone else. What they don’t tell you is that this experience is going to completely turn your world upside down and you’re going to begin to like it that way. I’ve been going to the Academy of Art for five years as an Illustration (and briefly an Industrial Design) student, and for AAU that will be considered as early. I have so many complaints about this school, like the way it’s run, the way they treat their financial aid students, the campus, as well as the teacher-student relationships. Despite these issues, there are some things that only AAU can offer, and for that, I am forever grateful. In fact, in this extremely depleting voyage to a BFA, I found who I am, what I want, and so much more. In this post I will discuss my qualms with the school, and well as the things that have made it extremely rewarding…thus far.
“Nyki’s first page of her art journal: a self portrait with a small synopsis.” Photo Credit: Nyki Way, All Rights Reserved. “What should I draw?” Sometimes my friends grovel when I ask. This is something every artist faces: the block. Sometimes you’re just not inspired, or your not happy about what you’re drawing. Well I’m calling all doodlers, sketchers, and artists alike, listen here, I have your solution! Quit using your sketchbook as a place to practice, start using your sketchbook as your own personal form of therapy! I figured out a way to use my sketchbook as my journal and to keep a chronological set of how I perceive myself in situations. So listen up! I’m giving you a step by step guide to processing the good, bad and everything in-between, as well as a beautiful set of drawings! Good luck!
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AboutA Guide to Using Art as a Coping Skill, through the lens of a former psychiatric ward patient, and current painter. Archives
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