I saw the future

Offline Recess is a newsletter that invites you to pause from digital distractions and rediscover the joy of finding inspiration on your own terms, away from the algorithm.

A quick summary: It’s Sunday and today we’re exploring:

• How experiencing an art exhibition inspired me

• What I’ve been reading and watching

• A hopeful quote

I did not have anyone edit this so if you see a typo, be relieved that I’m a human and not a robot.

Offline Reflection

an intersection of themes and ideas

Last week I had the pleasure of seeing Jack Whitten’s work at the MoMA. I was fairly unfamiliar and accidentally entered the exhibit the completely wrong way. I became familiar with the work he created at the end of his life (which was absolutely moving and made me emotional) and then worked backwards towards the start of his art career. It was a path I wouldn’t have chosen myself. I am a rule follower and assume the way it’s set up is the best way to experience something like this (intentionally and thoughtfully, no doubt). 

But I was surprised by how I felt after I walked “backwards” through his life. By the “end” (aka beginning), I could sense his youth, his broad strokes (literally). I missed the concentrated version of what he was creating years before he passed. 

It made me think so differently about my own creative career. As I near my 40s, I hear my peers and friends and I all saying the same thing: “Will I really be ____ years old and doing this?” 

Yes. And we will be better than we can ever imagine.

Offline Things

stuff I’ve been up to and discovering when I’m not on my phone

• I just finished reading Fans by Michael Bond. An interesting and light read about the journey into the psychology of belonging. I am launching a new project (⅔ professional, ⅓ personal) on July 10th and I’m excited to share about it here first!

• I also finished reading Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Hariri. It should be required reading for all humans!

• Professionally, Julie McAllister Cake’s new website is live! We designed it and I’m amazed at her ability to create hyper-realistic cakes! Have you seen her on the Netflix show Is It Cake?

• I saw Cole Escola perform in Oh, Mary! It was their last week performing at Mary Todd Lincoln in the hit Broadway play that won them an Emmy! I’ve been a fan of Cole for a long time and I can’t even begin to explain how happy I am for them. The show was one of the best experiences of my life. 

• I saw Say She She perform in concert at a local bar with my friends. Their music, self-described as "discodelic soul" with "dreamy harmonies," prominently combines disco and 70s funk, among other influences. I absolutely love them and wish for you to give them a listen!! (And it was really nice meeting you, Ashley!)

A Quote I Loved

a hopeful thought

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