Lifestyle: Annie Fay Blog

Winter Reading

1/13/2019

As an artist and writer, I get inspired by reading. Reading is a simple form of escapism: with the flip of a page or the scan of a paragraph you can transport yourself to faraway cities or towering mountain ranges. I am a voracious reader and am always looking for new novels to add to my constantly expanding collection. Over the past couple of months I have read many books and wanted to share some of my favorites with you this week!!

If you’d like to see other books I have blogged about in the past you can view those posts here, here, and here.

Hippie by Paulo Coelho

“Hippie” is a slightly auto-biographical account of Coelho's life during the 1960s. The story follows Paulo as he travels from Amsterdam to Nepal on a magic bus. The story is mostly told from Paulo’s perspective, but the supporting characters provide a lot of depth. While the main focus of the novel is on getting from one destination to the next, the journey taught me a lot about love, introspection, and the importance of finding purpose.

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

This book was a lot more intense than I had anticipated after reading the summary. “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” was a fast-paced, action-filled novel that touched on a lot of hard hitting truths our world currently faces. When 64 unusual sculptures pop up in every major city on Earth, the protagonist (April May) becomes famous overnight for filming a YouTube video. What happens from then on is insane.

Fashion Forecasts by Yumi Sakugawa

Fashion Forecasts was a concept, turned into a zine, turned into a book. In Sakugawa’s signature illustration style she predicts outlandish fashion trends.

Keep it Real by Lee Gutkind

I read this book for one of my classes at The New School and it is essentially a guidebook for researching and writing Creative Nonfiction. Each chapter is very succinct and it’s useful for gaining fast information on everything from acknowledgement of sources to writers’ responsibilities to their subjects.

After The End Of Art by Arthur C. Danto

I also read this book for school and found it incredibly interesting. Danto argues that art ended in the 1960s when Andy Warhol created the Brillo Box. His argument is built around the idea that once art could be anything, and anyone could be an artist, “art” had come to a philosophical end. In the beginning of the course, the majority of students disagreed with Danto, but weeks later it became easy to understand and respect his point of view.

A Sloth’s Guide To Mindfulness by Ton Mak

This illustrated meditation guide is so aesthetically pleasing that just flipping through it is relaxing!! This book is a great reminder to breathe, admire the world, and slow down.

The Pleasure Of My Company by Steve Martin

Steve Martin has a quirky and exuberant voice. This story is full of unique idiosyncrasies and the characters are well developed and feel real. I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it.

Pocket Frida Kahlo Wisdom by Hardie Grant

I love this mini book of wisdom full of quotes from Frida Kahlo. I keep this on my desk in my studio.

Fashion Legends Alphabet by Beck Feiner

This picture book goes through the alphabet using the names of various famous designers and influential people from the industry. From Anna Wintour to Zuhair Murad, the minimalist graphics in this book are great.

The Little Book of Life Hacks by Yumi Sakugawa

Yumi Sakugawa is one of my favorite illustrators. I’ve talked about some of her other work previously on my blog. My favorite book of hers is “Your Illustrated Guide To Becoming One With The Universe” which is all about self-discovery, meditation, and connecting with the world. In Sakugawa’s “The Little Book of Life Hacks” she offers advice on everything from DIY hair treatments to body language signals. All of these hacks are beautifully illustrated.

Make sure to comment down below any great books you’ve read recently!!

Happy reading babes.

© Annie Fay Meitchik. All Rights Reserved. All content on anniefay.com is my own or credit is given when applicable, please do not use any of my images before contacting me above or @ anniefaymeitchik@gmail.com.

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School Grind II

12/9/2018

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in 2017, I wrote a blog post called "School Grind" to share my experiences with education.

Since publishing that post, a lot has changed.

This semester at The New School I took a course on creative nonfiction writing. I chose to revise my "School Grind" post to write the updated personal essay I'm sharing with you today.

Enjoy!!

By the age of three, I knew that the freedom to express myself was what I valued most. After preschool, I lost some of my individuality when I entered the traditional schooling system. Accepting that I’m an unconventional learner allowed me to lead a fulfilling life once again.

During my unconventional preschool experience in Encinitas, California I discovered that I controlled my own identity. At school and home I’d pair my messy-blonde curls and green eyes with sweaters and jeans. I’d explore nature, cook vegetarian meals, and listen to The Beatles. I was encouraged to utilize my sensitivity and individuality to paint, play piano, and write.

After preschool, I attended traditional schools where it felt like nobody was entitled to a unique identity. Everyone was meant to think and learn in the same way.

Despite being one of those kids they referred to as ‘gifted,’ straight A’s and prestigious internships never gave me the sense of fulfillment I’d possessed as a child.

It wasn’t until 2016, during my freshman year at University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) that I finally realized I needed to withdraw from the world of conventional education.

I found refuge in a café, as I often do, where I’d order matcha lattes and journal. All of that journaling led me to develop a plan for my future.

I started a blog so I’d always have an outlet for my creativity. I spent months expanding on my initial idea before launching my website in March 2017. Nearly two years later and I’m stilling posting artwork, interviews, personal essays, and playlists every Sunday.

I also recognized that being identified by my grades or test scores needed to come to an end. My search for an unconventional alternative led me to The New School (TNS).

After leaving UCSB in 2017, I settled back into my life at home. Adjusting to all of my friends (with the exception of my sister) being away at school remains challenging.

Fortunately, I’ve connected with new people, including my first boyfriend and love, Sasha. Being home also means that I have access to the things that give me purpose, like working at a local art gallery.

Interacting with other creative people in galleries and museums has always helped me to focus on my passions for visual arts and writing.

I majored in art at UCSB but the assignments, professors, and deadlines were restricting. I craved the freedom to create whatever I wanted. I’ll never stop being an artist, but I decided I’d rather study writing.

In January 2018, I began a year-long certificate program in Children’s Book Writing which I’ll be completing next semester. Last summer, I felt ready to pursue my bachelors degree again and by August I enrolled at TNS to study Creative Writing online.

I happily spend my days at my favorite beachside library in Encinitas doing work that actually fulfills my academic and personal needs. I enjoy eating Thai food, going to concerts, swimming in the ocean, watching Wes Anderson movies, and writing at my favorite café.

I’ve accomplished so much this semester. The gallery I work at started selling my paintings. I traveled to London. I turned 20. Sasha and I celebrated our one year anniversary. I gave myself the opportunity to live a life that’s entirely for myself.

I’ve loved myself all along, but I’m finally in love with my life again.

My preschool self would admire the person I am today. I pair my messy hair and green eyes with sweaters and jeans (although I’ve added black Dr. Martens and a multitude of dainty rings to the mix). I embrace my personality in my creative work. I drive home to my family in my VW Beetle named after John Lennon.
Most importantly, she’d be proud that I’ve made it back to a place where I have the freedom to express who I truly am.

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Here Comes the Love (...and i say, it's all right)

12/2/2018

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Normally, I spend at least one week developing and finalizing my blog posts. Rather than searching for inspiration, I let the inspiration come to me.

But this week was a bit different.

This week, I celebrated my one year anniversary with my boyfriend, Sasha. I’ve been absolutely consumed by love and gratitude. Instead of spending hours planning this post, I decided I’d simply write from my heart.

With love,
Annie

Little did I know, this time last year was only the beginning of something so magical.

Over the past 12 months I’ve given and received more love than I ever knew was possible.

I spent the last month creating a handmade book full of love letters, journal entries, photos, and kind sentiments for Sasha.

Yesterday morning, I went to his house where he surprised me with 12 boxes full of surprises. Each box contained a photo, a scroll with a reason he loves me, and gifts ranging from homemade chocolate covered strawberries to enamel pins.

We spent the day together expressing our gratitude for one another and visiting some of our favorite places.

It struck me this week that I’ve always been a romantic. From a very young age I effortlessly fell in love with people, places, movies, and books.

It wasn’t until Sasha that something, or rather someone, fell in love with me.

I’m so lucky to have such a thoughtful, genuine, creative person in my life who looks at me like I’m made of magic.

Everyone deserves and is entitled to a love like that. Loving yourself is infinitely powerful but being in love is a whole other experience.

While I’m endlessly grateful to be able to share that experience, I wanted to take a moment to say that to whoever is reading this...I hope your days are filled with love too.

Whoever you are, wherever you are...thank YOU for supporting me.

I love you.