maker manifesto

for constructing identities

Jul 26, 2024

Constructing identities — whatever that means

I find myself thinking about and reading a lot of content out in the ether, but it is so challenging to synthesize what it all means for me. Recently, I have been craving solace and leaning into constructing some form of creative identity that I have previously allowed to exist without acknowledgment. Pieces of this desire have come from confronting the root causes of wave after wave of burnout, while other insights have formed from sources unknown. Probably outcomes of growing up, morphing, and/or continuously learning how to befriend myself…?

Allowing myself to transform, further understand my blind spots and confront the deeply rooted colonialism that courses through all of our veins has shown me how I have always found my creative identity to be in a constant flow of give and take. This is a beautiful foundation for roots to lay, however it quickly falls into the balance fallacy, where the two, give and take, are assumed to be equally sized. Leaning into the need to construct a more structured identity has challenged me to spend time with myself and actually question what it feels like to create in different and newly envisioned contexts.

I’ve been spending A LOT of time bringing my creative practice outside this summer. Being outside has allowed me to expand my understanding of art, creativity and FUN beyond the walls of my home and/or studio. Since I am a constant creator, both physically and abstractly, it is vital for me to continue to understand the confines of my space. By working outside consistently, I am required to accept how I different structures of my creative identity can live and breathe in morphous ways. This realization has become incredibly powerful for me to hold when attempting to navigate this world without falling to pieces.

The Studio

With that……I bring some small updates from the studio!! I am mostly spending time in the space learning how to actually have my own space and get uncomfortable befriending myself there. Its been illuminating to say the least. Since taking time to turn my give and take relationship with creativity (and life?) inward, I’ve regained some capacity for events and taking in donations!!!

I've been taking in clothing donations for a few months now and wowza do we have a lot of clothes out there…. So lets get swapping!!!

Clothing swaps at the studio are meant to be ran like a free store. Come in, bring some clothes, take some clothes, and be on your way! But of course, dont forget to give me a hug (if you’re a hugger) <3

If you are unable to make the swap date but have clothes to swap, let me know and we can coordinate a drop off time.

General information about the space:

We are currently looking for a band and/or musicians to share our space with! If you are interested, or know someone that may be, please reach out!
Studio space is located at 4541 N Ravenswood Ave
Have ideas or want to collaborate with the space? Please reach out at ducksfloat@gmail.com
Interested in learning more about donating to the space? Find more information here.
Needing a space for solo project time? Let me know and I would love to share space!