Happy Friday!
This newsletter is all about making art as resistance, providing inspiration, ideas, and more.
In this issue: Making great and radical work⚡️
Skill nostalgia -> Radical work
The art of skilled work - baking, beekeeping, artisan crafts - has stood the test of time. So it's no wonder so many of us are looking to this history as the world becomes less and less tactile.
The loss that animates skill nostalgia relates to the hollowing out of skilled labour and our frustrated desire for skilled work...As automation, AI and lay-offs threaten to deskill labour further, it’s likely that our desire for skilled hobbies will only increase.
In this piece, Aeon traces the history of this kind of nostalgia, and what it could mean for today's work, creativity, and resistance.
Fun -> Great work
We start doing something we love, and hope to do it forever. But then it grows, maybe even into a job. And it's no longer fun. It's heavier, even painful.
In this thoughtful video: the case for having fun to make your best work.
Linkapalooza
I'm reading: Down to Earth, a birthday gift. Author Julia Turshen is known for her cookbooks and weekly cooking class (both of which feature my good friend Haley Scarpino!). Can't wait to dive in.
I'm watching: Watchmen. I've watched this multiple times, because it only becomes richer on each watching. It's wildly entertaining, features Regina King at her best, and is so pointed at the same time. If you're curious, I'd recommend reading the 1987 book first (or watching the 2009 movie), as the show builds on those storylines.
I'm listening to: New Bands for Old Heads. It's a site for music discovery that matches you with new music based on your old favorites. And they've got a new interactive feature to try!
I'm sharing:
- African muralists turning city walls into art
- Zines from Gaza
- Tenants made a zine about their apartments
- If writing feels like punishment, read this
- Art as memory, resistance, and identity: A conversation with Bepbere Pat-i Kayapó
MoreMoreMore
🎙️LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: Get empowered with the Art of Resistance Podcast
🦄 EXPLORE THE RESISTANCE LIBRARY: Guides, resources, and recommended reading
📚 GET ART FROM AMY: Books and music for your lists
📋 READ THE GUIDE: 40 Ways to Make Art as Resistance
🤖 SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROJECTS! Email me
See you next week!
P.S. You know I love John Oliver. And this week, he embarked upon his new career: soap acting. He had a short stint on General Hospital, and will next do Days of Lives. This all started after he professed his love for soaps, and asked to be a part of them. The joy 💕
John Oliver on his soap debut
