2016 (2)

illustrations typography Lauren Bacall hal incandanza infinite jest Fan Art david foster wallace type literature shakespeare

This was one of the first artworks I did after I got my new drawing tablet. I haven't drawn with a drawing tablet in such a long time that I've forgotten how much fun I used to have with it. I reference image used here was a photo of Lauren Bacall I just saw online.

Here is Sylvia Plath with her books.

'I read,' I say. 'I study and read. I bet I've read everything you've read. Don't think I haven't. I consume libraries.

I wear out spines and ROM-drives. I do things like get in a taxi and say, "The library, and step on it." (...)

I open my eyes. 'Please don't think I don't care.'

David Foster Wallace, Infinite Jest

Definitely one of the good things in my life this 2016: I was finally able to tackle the behemoth Infinite Jest. I can't even begin to tell you how much I truly loved this book; how much it has helped me in my life. I know that sounds very trite but I can't say it any other way. It's true. Much has been said about how this book has changed other people’s lives. And for the better, I strongly believe. Someday, when I’m able to sort through my feelings—feelings? yeah, this book awoke me to those; it’s hard not to when one moment you are laughing your ass off and all of a sudden cringing in terror and the next moment you're all gloomy, totally Identifying, ALL IN THE SPAN OF A SINGLE SENTENCE—when that day comes, I might be able to express my appreciation for it adequately. It's hard to not be thankful--to D.F.W. for the massive amount of time and energy and effort and possibly love—for Humanity maybe, or the coming generations, or Art or some other capital-T-Thing—poured into doing this massive work that is equal parts entertaining and enlightening; for trusting me to be willing—and to be able—to ‘do the work,’ to not simply become a passive receptor of entertainment, to appreciate the many subtle and ‘unexciting’ ways through which we attain happiness or some sort of fulfillment. I love this book with all my heart and I can’t stress this fully enough.

"We cross our bridges when we come to them and burn them behind us, with nothing to show

for our progress except a memory of the smell of smoke, and a presumption that once our eyes watered."

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

Also, there's this play that I finally read and... look, I think I've exhausted my words by now with that impromptu Infinite Jest manifesto I'm just gonna say that this one is really good as well I mean, go ahead read it. I can't really write a proper 'review' about it anyway because although I enjoyed reading it a part of me also believes that I'm a little more biased than I admit liking it because it's sort of a Hamlet spin-off and, well, I love Hamlet. I'm biased towards Hamlet. Sorry, I will say something nicer next time. This play was really good I'm ashamed to even be saying this. There's this other line--as well as many others--from this play that I also loved: "We move idly toward eternity without possibility of reprieve or hope of explanation." Yes, well, it's that kind of read.

This is my Aunt. This was supposed to be my gift for her last Christmas but I failed to finish it and have it delivered to her in the U.S. in time. I actually don't know now if I should still give it to her and/or how, if ever.

Also, another Aunt had this outreach/feeding program she organized this Christmas. She made me do this Facebook invitation that we circulated within the family.

And finally, Facebook/social media Christmas posts I did at work.