“Whether we are happy or whether we suffer depends largely on our perceptions. It is important to look deeply into our perceptions and recognize their source.”
-Thich Nhat Hanh, How to See
How often do you stop and consider what part of your day-to-day experience is down to you and you alone? Most humans look to external sources rather often for their happiness, struggles, anger, sadness, all manner of experiences and emotions. And yet, if we took the time to consider how we ourselves are contributing to the feelings that shape our days, we may be surprised to discover the amount of control we have over our own reactions to things. Look to your breath, take a pause, consider how you’re coloring each moment.
Alison Kudlow joined us to discuss her show, Defensive Strategies for Tender Objects, which is on view until June 22 at Deanna Evans Projects. During the entire process of making this show, Kudlow was pregnant, which informed the work in some ways. When a friend asked her to summarize the work in the show, the phrase she replied with became the title. To hear more, listen to the complete interview.
Raúl Guerrero talked to us about Terra Incógnita, which ran until June 8 at David Kordansky Gallery. The work in the show had been on Guerrero’s mind for many years until he found the opportunity to coalesce them into an exhibition. The title comes from the Latin phrase meaning unexplored territory and speaks to the fact that the North American continent has been in continual exploration since the conquest that began with the Spanish arrival in Mexico and the overthrow of the Aztec empire and subsequent spread of colonialism. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.
A few words to keep in your pocket
You have far more power than you may realize in shaping your experience in the world.
Outings
Interviews are available on iTunes as podcasts, and for Android, please click here. All weekly essay pieces are here in a shareable format. The full archive of interviews is here.
More books to read
Ours is a community of readers. Tell us what books you’re reading now by adding your titles to our reading list here. Praxis member Susan Gravdahl is braving Macroeconomics, An Intro (Thomas), Angela Davis (A. Davis).
Opportunities
The Midwest Open at WMG showcases women and nonbinary artists from the Midwest, celebrating diverse and unique works. All media are welcome, and cash prizes are awarded. Visit the website for more information. The submission deadline is June 29.