One year of Text and the City

“Are you an artist”? I was asked the other day. I had to stop myself for a short second to think. I have long dreamed of becoming an artist. I wanted to be a singer, a pianist, and a dancer, yet I did not fully pursue any of those dreams. Can I still call myself an artist?

I took one breath and answered, “Yes, I am. I’m a writer.” Writing on Text and the City I discovered my voice and art that I never thought I would find. And I started dreaming once again. I want to write better. I want to write a book.

This week, Text and the City, my artistic journey, turns one year old and I invited my friends to join the celebration. The party took place in New York. I prepared a small ceremony and an IG Live for those who cannot make it in person.

(Photo: @amavit.img)

As I learn to make art, I find it cathartic to meet people exuding artistic energy. It could be one of the best feelings to see people wearing fun clothes, making music, and/or dancing their hearts out when I want to do so. Being someone else’s artistic inspiration and safe space for expression is a rare and humbling experience.

I learned that my art becomes richer when working with others. Jacob clicks on his camera shutter and I pose. His understanding of lines and lights provides me a space to pose bolder. Then our pictures become more original and intriguing. Samir plays the guitar and I sing. As my voice walks on his guitar strings, our sounds complete into one. Then, our music becomes more alive.

Like you need to explain what is not red to explain what red is, the world full of art makes my color even more defined. Because I endear these connections, I am proud of myself for making a space where people can feel and create. I’m planning on doing something similar in the near future. I don’t know what that would be; I just know it will happen.