“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
-F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
We are told again and again to appreciate the smallest moments because of the fleeting nature of life. Literature and art are filled with examples of the late realization of the squandering of a life. Emily in Thornton Wilder’s Our Town is a perfect example of this, gushing throughout the third act at all the small moments she took for granted during her living years. And yet, it is easy to let these moments go by unnoticed, unappreciated. When they do catch, and it dawns on us that we are in the midst of something miraculous, however mundane, that is a gift to be savored.
Sasha Sykes joined us recently to discuss her work, which has been at Voltz Clarke Gallery, as well as her background. When we spoke, she was in County Carlow, Ireland where her strawbale studio sits. Built during the pandemic, the studio uses local materials, including bales of straw and sheep’s wool. To learn more about her eco-studio and her beautiful botanical work, listen to the complete interview.
Marci Vogel is a poet, writer and translator. She joined us a few years ago to discuss her work. When we spoke, it was the height of COVID, and Vogel was adjusting to a move from her home of 24 years to a community in Los Angeles. To learn about her experience during the pandemic years and hear about her work, listen to the complete interview.
A few words to keep in your pocket
Notice the moments when even the smallest detail seems to shine.
Outings
Join me in NYC and meet Bryan Cordova, who makes and sells his art across from Grand Central.
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. Click here to learn more about Marci Vogel’s work.
Opportunities
Hayama Artist Residency introduces international visual artists to Japanese culture, offering a gallery exhibition in Japan. It provides time for cultural immersion, reflection, and future planning. For more information and to apply, visit the website. Deadline is September 30.