Category: Miscellaneous

Random sh*t we don’t know where else to put

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Miscellaneous

DJ Mango’s Top 5 Albums of 2020

DJ Mango's Top 5 Albums of 2020
DJ Mango's Top 5 Albums of 2020

2020 was a year that had its ups and downs, musically and otherwise. Here are my 5 favorite albums to come out this year, in order:

5. græ by Moses Sumney

Album art for græ by Moses Sumney

Coming in at number 5 is græ by Moses Sumney, a two-part epic of an album that saw its full release in May of this year. If Aromanticism was any indication of what was to come from Moses, græ is a full realization of his talents. Over the span of twenty tracks the singer explores a wide array of topics, from love to identity to masculinity.

Favorite tracks: “Cut Me,” “In Bloom,” “Virile”

4. Circles by Mac Miller

Album art for Circles by Mac Miller

Up next is Circles by Mac Miller, a posthumous body of work released in January. Less than a month after the release of his previous album, Swimming, he was pronounced dead. From someone whose career ended at its height, Circles serves as a kindred spirit to Swimming and it is a testament to his incredible growth not only as an artist but as an individual.

Favorite tracks: “Good News,” “Everybody,” “Hand Me Downs”

3. Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 2 by Tkay Maidza

Album art for Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 2 by Tkay Maidza

At number 3 on this list is Tkay Maidza’s Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 2, released in August. This short but sweet album is a prime example of Tkay’s versatility as an artists, as she explores familiar yet uncharted territory in the realms of hardcore hiphop, alternative R&B and indie soul. Check out my review here!

Favorite tracks: “24k,” “Shook,” “Awake”

2. UNLOCKED by Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats

Album art for UNLOCKED by Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats

2020 has been so long that I almost forgot this EP dropped in February of this year, but I’m sure glad it did. As two of the most consistent artists in the game right now, a project from Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats is a match made in heaven for any hardcore hip-hop fan. Denzel’s frantic, wordplay-intensive rapping is the perfect fit for Kenny’s grimy, sample-laced production.

Favorite tracks: “DIET_,” “Take_it_Back_v2,” “So.Incredible.pkg”

1. Agüita by Gabriel Garzón-Montano

Album art for Agüita by Gabriel Garzón-Montano

Last but certainly not least, my favorite album to come out this year has got to be Agüita by Gabriel Garzón-Montano. The range that GGM displays here is something that is truly remarkable. From alternative R&B to indie soul to Latinx hip-hop, Gabriel Garzón-Montano does it all with his own unique flair. Check out my full review here!

Favorite tracks: “With a Smile,” “Muñeca,” “Bloom”

What are your favorite albums of 2020?

– DJ Mango

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Miscellaneous

Album Art Gems Returns!

Miss seeing some of the coolest album covers ever made on your favorite blog? Me too! I’ve found some more fantastic album artwork that I just had to share. Without further ado, welcome back to the slightly extended encore of Album Art Gems.

1. Their Satanic Majesties Request – The Rolling Stones

Does this cover look familiar to you? It should if you’ve ever seen The Beatles album “Seargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club.” Wanting to keep up with the psychedelic trends in the 60s, The Rolling Stones hired Michael Cooper, the same photographer who shot the famous The Beatles album. The original vinyl cover was supposed to have a 3D effect, but due to costs, only about 500 were released with the lenticular printing.

2. 1999 – Prince

Nobody actually knows who designed Prince’s “1999,” but many think that the iconic artist did it himself. It features several hidden references to his earlier and future works, including his eyes from the “Controversy” cover and the name of his band, “The Revolution,” who performed with Prince for the first time in “1999,” written backward in the “I.”

3. Stars Are The Light – Moon Duo

This album cover embodies the dreamy psychedelia that Moon Duo is known for. The spacey feel of their music is clearly reflected in this piece, which looks as though it’s on an alien planet. It comes in four different color schemes (this just happens to be my favorite). The typography is EXQUISITE and I am drooling over the flowy patterns and bright colors.

4. The Crescent Ship – Bad Liquor Pond

There isn’t much information out there on this cover by Bad Liquor Pond, a Baltimore-based band that no longer exists. Nonetheless, the screenprinting collage effect is so eyecatching. I especially love the little demon cat up in the upper right corner.

5. The Low End Theory – A Tribe Called Quest

I don’t know how I forgot to include this cover in my original Album Art Gems blogs. Designed by Jive Records (now known as Zombart), it takes the cake for A Tribe Called Quest’s best album cover. The bright reds and green fluorescent paint on the figure are said to be an homage to traditional African art.

6. Royal Albert Hall May 2-3-5-6 2005 – Cream

This cover, based on one of Cream’s band portraits, was created for their live album, which was recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in 2005. The distinctive line and shadow art is a fantastic use of gestalt principles; notice how you can tell their hair textures apart just by some squiggles? Though designed in the 21st century, it emulates the classic rock style frequently used at the height of Cream’s fame in the 60s.

7. Moon River – Frank Ocean

Last but not least, I just had to include another Frank Ocean cover. His album art never ceases to amaze me. If you look closely you can see what looks like a human figure from the shoulders up in the top left corner. This figure is actually based on a scientific diagram that shows how ASMR travels from the brain to the body. The warm pink pattern also makes an “M,” standing for the song’s title. Pretty cool, huh?

I hope you enjoyed this little additional performance of Album Art Gems!

-DJ Butter

Categories
Band/Artist Profile Miscellaneous Music Education Short Stories

No One is More Cozy Than A$AP Mob

Album Art for The Cozy Tapes
Album Art for The Cozy Tapes

Let me paint you a picture. A group of respected men walk into a New York Corner Store. They have a little chatter with the owner, otherwise known as “Papi,” and ask for a chopped cheese, a staple New York delicacy. It differs from it’s cousin, the Philly Cheese Steak, in the distinction that the steak is chopped up along with the cheese. After a short discourse on the goods of their exchange, the conversation between the men shifts to new and upcoming rappers “acting like they’re cozy.” This facade seems to antagonize the group of men, because the new rappers are not cozy. The group of men have been in the game, working hard for years, and quite frankly it’s offensive to see these new rappers come in, “sweat-suited up,” with their cheap, off brand clothes while concurrently trying to look like the homies. They are not cozy. 

Another unnamed member of the group, who had until now kept quiet, interjects and concurs that he has also taken notice of the recent mockery. However, he goes on to describe how exorbitantly cozy he is. While these new rappers may seem cozy, the man speaking is coming through with the Playboy boxers, with the Playboy fitting, wearing old man socks with the things that hold them up (the sock holsters). He reassures the group that he is cozy and the other men seem to approve. 

While this outfit is undoubtedly cozy, a third speaker, who I can only assume to be Rocky, brings light to the situation. He shows a confidence that leaves the group thinking if they even know the true meaning of “cozy.” He uses his outfit from yesterday as an example. While a seemingly meaningless phrase, the use of the word “yesterday” implies that for Rocky to dress this cozy is nothing to him. It’s something he casually does on a daily basis. As to the outfit he wore, it consisted of the Valentino shorts with white and red pinstripes. Rocky sported a real goose down feather bubble jacket. He described it as “very cozy, warm.” Then he had the durag hanging down with the bow string slinging in the wind. It was a two toned durag, with red on one side and white on the other. Some say he was so cozy that he fell asleep before he left the house. When asked what his inspiration was he told them “global warming.” In short, he was “too cozy.” 

This is an intro to a song called “Yamborghini High,” a tribute to the late A$AP Yams. It’s one of my favorites and I think the intro was just too good not to share. 

Hope you guys enjoy, 
-The DJ formerly known as “Chippypants”

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Miscellaneous

Make a Collage, Feel Better

Collage with Jimi Hendrix, raspberries, butterflies, flowers, and a book

Creative blocks can be a real pain, especially if you’re getting paid for your artistic skills and need to be productive around the clock. After being a tad bit burnt out from design school this semester, I decided that over winter break I was only going to exercise my creativity in relaxing ways. No coding, no typography, and for godsakes NO ANIMATION. However, when I sat down to start a drawing or painting, I found myself feeling frustrated, impatient, and completely uninspired. Why was the thing that was supposed to make me feel better actually making me feel worse?

I didn’t want to give up on my winter break intentions, so I went down to Reader’s Corner (which you should go to if you’ve never been) on the hunt for vintage magazines. Always being a lover of collaging, I had hope that a new medium might be the answer to unclogging my creative blockage. Spoiler alert, IT WAS!

Vintage graphic design makes me drool, so it was uber inspiring to see it straight from the source. The grainy film, retro fonts, and cigar ads make fantastic collage materials, though it is a bit heartwrenching to cut up a mint condition “Playboy” from 1971. Even if you don’t consider yourself an “artistic” person, collage is a great way to quickly make something that looks great. There are endless things to do with it, like including your own drawings or poetry. My personal favorite thing to do is base my collages off of the music I’m listening to at the time!

There are an infinite amount of techniques, styles, and materials to use while collaging, but I like to let the magazines inspire me rather than plan out what I want a piece to look like. For me, this tends to make collaging a more interactive, spontaneous exercise.

Want to get into collaging? Don’t know where to start? Here are some tips and advice from DJ Butter on how to absolutely rock it:

Q: Where do I get magazines from?

A: If you don’t have any magazines at home that you’re willing to cut up, head over to your nearest thrift store, used book center, or record store. A lot of the time they’ll have super cheap (or free) magazines. Don’t be afraid to use non-magazine items too! I’ve used dried flowers, decorative paper, tea fortunes, and notes from friends in some of my collages.

Q: Which magazines are the best for collaging?

I specifically like to use vintage magazines, especially from “Rolling Stone,” “Playboy,” and “Record Collector.” Any art magazine is great too. Just make sure whatever you choose has lots of pictures!

Q: What materials do I need besides magazines?
  • Paper: Pick something that won’t buckle under the weight of glue, paint, or whatever else you decide to put on. I like to use this mixed media pad from Strathmore, but the paper in my Art Collection Moleskine journal works well too.
  • Glue: Any glue will work, but make sure that it dries clear. Liquid glue tends to work better than a glue stick, but remember that you only need a tiny dot in the corners of your collage cuttings. Too much glue will make the paper wrinkle.
  • Cutting: I like to use regular scissors for cutting our larger pieces and an X-Acto knife for smaller, more detailed ones.
  • Whatever Else: Find a box or pouch to keep your collage cuttings! I know you probably don’t think you need one, but trying to shove all your unused pieces in the folds of your magazines will lead to lost cuttings, ruined photos, and sadness.

I hope this inspired you to make a collage today! If you want even more inspo, here’s a list of my favorite collage artists:

Demii Wiffin

Ben Giles

Juli Baker and Summer

griefmother

Now go make somethin’!

– DJ Butter

Categories
Miscellaneous

ZE Records Made a Christmas Album

Suicide's Alan Vega and Martin Vega

ZE Records was a New York record label big in the early ’80s for its unique fusion of abrasive punk and no wave with early dance music. Music from the label’s artists was popular among hipsters, goths, and the remains of the gay disco scene. Notable entries on their roster include Lydia Lunch of Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, Christina, James White and the Contortions, and the ever-popular Suicide.

Imagine my shock then, when typing the record label into a google search bar only to have the phrase “ZE Records Christmas Album” appear in the autofill. I dropped everything, ran to grab my headphones, and prepared myself for what promised to be an unmitigated disaster. The album did not disappoint. It has depressed hipsters wailing the word Christmas, rock-disco songs about cruelty to pine trees, and no less than five women doing Nico impressions while singing traditional Christmas carol. It even had a minor hit with Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses charting in the UK.

The album is glorious cheese. It may not be good, strictly speaking, but there is never a dull moment and I cannot recommend it highly enough. However, if you are too busy preparing for the holidays and only have time for a single track, I implore you to give “Christmas With Satan,” by James Chance a listen, you will not regret it. Merry Christmas!

-DJ Melodrama

Categories
Band/Artist Profile Miscellaneous Music Education Non-Music News

Artists Who Give Back to Their Community

Picture of Mac Demarco
Credit: Press / Coley Brown

One thing I’ve always noticed in not only the music industry, but in celebrities in general, is how easy it is to look at them as superhumans. It’s so easy to hold them to such a high standard that we ridicule them for the slightest mistakes and turn our heads when they do something good. I decided to write an article about artists who have given back to their community, but honestly it was hard to find a lot of information about it. More often than not when artists give donations and contributions to charities it’s overlooked or just not even reported on. However, I was able to find a few whose music I thoroughly enjoy and who are actively working to make the world a better place. 

A$AP Mob
The Always Strive and Prosper Foundation was created after A$AP Yams, one of the founders of the original A$AP Mob collective, died of an overdose back in 2015 The foundation is intended to provide children with the best information available about substance use and abuse without judgement or morality to promote healthy lifestyle choices. Their main philanthropic gathering is called Yams Day, which is a music festival dedicated to the foundation. 

Mac DeMarco 
Remember all those wildfires in Australia earlier this year? I know, it seems like forever ago. But ironically enough, Mac DeMarco held a barbeque event in Melbourne which raised $210,000 to go towards Wildlife Victoria and Fire Relief Fund. Cook a pig, save a koala. 

Rihanna
The queen herself is actually one of the biggest philanthropists in the music industry. While she donates to a wide variety of charities, her biggest one is focused on the education of children and women in Malawi, which is one of the poorest countries in the world. Rihanna has helped to fight the huge disparity between the drive of the population to learn and the incredible lack of supplies and schools that are offered for children. 

Mrs. Lauryn Hill 
Lauryn Hill is perhaps the artist who most represents the idea that a community has the capability to love and heal as long as it has the right amount of support. While over her career she has donated to a wide array of charities, her most notable work was her 20 year anniversary tour of “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” when she donated every single dollar earned from that tour to the MLH Foundation. This is a charity dedicated to supporting those who are fighting cancer and other serious illnesses. 

While these artists are already very well known, I thought the good work that they were able to do because of their success was something worth mentioning.

-DJ Chippypants 

Categories
Miscellaneous

Thinking About Getting a Tattoo?

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! It’s ya girl, your Master Butcher, The Saw, and I am here to talk about one of my favorite things… tattoos. I love tattoos, I think they are a great way to show your interests and they also make people look like badasses. Tattoos make people look different and give them an edge. I love talking to people about their tattoos and the meaning behind them. Our bodies are canvases and I love to see the art that is displayed on people’s bodies.

Now, I have a sleeve, and a handful of other tattoos. My friends always come to me for tattoo advice: where they should go, what they should get, and how to take care of their tattoos. The Saw is the tattoo guru and I am here to give you some advice about researching tattoo parlors, artists, designs, and aftercare. 

Design:

First, you need a tattoo idea. I suggest looking up artwork and other tattoos that you are interested in. Look at tons of sketches to see what designs you like and don’t like. I would suggest using these sketches as a reference to what you want and also come up with your own ideas that you think would look cool. I wouldn’t copy a design or another tattoo that I found online because someone already has that tattoo; you want something original and special to you. If I find a sketch that I really like, I will show it to my tattoo artists and tell them that this is the way I want my tattoo to go, but allow the tattoo artists to make their own designs that are along the lines of what you want. This makes the tattoo enjoyable for the tattoo artists because they can put their own personal touch on the tattoo, and the tattoo will be unique to you since no one else will have the design like you. 

Searching for Tattoo Parlors and Tattoo Artists: 

This is probably the hardest part for me because I am SO PICKY. My dad calls me a tattoo snob and I will gladly take that title. Usually, I will look up tattoo parlors around me and look at their reviews. I will see what clients have to say about their artists and the customer service that the parlor has. I will also ask my friends about where they got their tattoos and ask if they recommend a particular parlor or artist. While researching tattoo parlors, I will also look at the portfolios of tattoo artists to see if I like their style of work. This helps you get a general idea if the artists will be able to create the tattoo that you want. Each artist focuses on a different discipline: realism, traditional, biker, geometric, cartoons, botanical, and fine lines. Knowing the style that an artist uses will also help you determine what type of style you want your tattoo in. Once you find a parlor and an artist, you can either contact the shop for booking or contact the artist individually in order to book an appointment. 

Getting the tattoo:

The day you are getting your tattoo, be sure to eat before, please. Also take some Advil to ease the pain. Oh, and make sure you’re sober, no alcohol or drugs. Wear comfortable clothes because you could be sitting in a chair for a few hours. 

Aftercare: 

Some tattoo parlors have wraps that they put on your tattoos that you can keep on while its healing, but some places wrap your piece in a paper towel. If that’s the case, after an hour has passed, remove the wrap and wash your tattoo with the hottest water you can stand. WARNING: washing your piece the first few times will hurt like a mf. You want to use a non-fragrance soap, soap with strong fragrances can irritate your tattoo. I suggest using Dove Sensitive Body Wash. Use a light layer on your tattoo and then wash it off. Use a clean towel or paper towel and pat it dry. Some tattoo parlors suggest buying tattoo cream (“tattoo goo”) to put on your piece after you clean it, but a thin layer of original Neosporin will do the trick. You want to wash your tattoo like this twice a day for a few weeks. 

When your tattoo starts to scab, DO NOT SCRATCH OR PICK AT THE SCAB, IT WILL RUIN THE COLOR!! Instead, lightly slap your tattoo if it begins to itch. Once your tattoo is in this phase, wash your tattoo the same way but instead of Neosporin, use a lotion that is not scented. I use the Vaseline lotion or Hemp’s body lotion. I also recommend Lush’s Elbow Grease, it keeps your tattoo shiny and hydrated. 

Enjoy your new tattoo!! 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

Categories
Miscellaneous

The Incredible Visions of 1960s Music Posters

I am absolutely obsessed with anything out of the 60s and 70s, especially the art. The colors, typography, and illustration styles are magnificent. In high school, I actually did a project on the origins of psychedelic art, and I thought I’d share some of my favorite facts with you today!

The signature psychedelic style of the 1960s can be attributed to the rising popularity of hallucinogens, anti-war sentiments, and Eastern philosophy. In stark contrast to the streamlined, modernist design trends of the 40s and 50s, psychedelia’s goal was completely different: Artists wanted viewers to stare at their work for long periods of time to mimic the effect of a “trip.” Some elements used to accomplish this effect were brightly contrasting colors, flowing typography, and collage. Wes Wilson, Victor Moscoso, Alton Kelley, and Stanley Mouse, also known as the “Big Five,” were some of the most influential poster designers of the time.

As new, experimental music exploded in the early 60s, psychedelic art was often paired with concert posters and album covers. San Francisco was a hot spot for the movement, seeing that many musicians lived there, including the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and Jefferson Airplane.

Here are some of my absolute favorite posters that came out of the psychedelic movement:

John Myers, 1966

This poster, designed by John Myers, was printed for the Yardbirds’ concert in 1966.

Bonnie McLean, 1967

This print was designed by Bonnie McLean in 1967 for a concert starring Muddy Waters, Buffalo Springfield, and Richie Havens.

Lee Conklin, 1968

This poster for Canned Heat was designed by Lee Conklin in 1968 and intentionally printed out-of-register to create the layered, film-like look.

Bob Masse, 1966

Serving as one of the most iconic posters in rock history, this design for Pink Floyd was done by Bob Masse in 1966 for their show at the Marquee in London.

Wes Wilson & Herb Greene, 1966

Wes Wilson, one of the most well-known psychedelic artists of the time, designed this poster with Herb Greene for Jefferson Airplane in 1966.

Tune in!

– DJ Butter

Categories
Miscellaneous

Top Choice: Literature

cover art, says top choice: literature

Written By Miranda

As NC State finals are coming to an end, students are all anxious to finish their classes and get ready for winter break. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite recent reads so you have something to fill your days until the spring semester begins. 

  1. Nemesis by Isaac Asimov 
  2. Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist
  3. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn 
  4. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami 
  5. Do No Harm by Henry Marsh
  6. The Shining by Stephen King
  7. The Lord of the Rings Collection by J.R.R. Tolkien 
  8. Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut 
  9. Breaking Night by Liz Murray 
  10. The God Project by John Saul  
  11. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 
  12. The Game of Thrones Series by George R.R. Martin

Hope you enjoy my recommendations and find something new to read over your winter break.

Categories
Band/Artist Profile Miscellaneous

Best of Phoebe Bridgers

Phoebe Bridgers has entered the radar of many indie lovers this year upon the release of her second album “Punisher.” Her diary-like storytelling, sorrowful disposition, smooth vocals, and folky melodies combine to make top-tier indie music. So, join me on my journey to parse out the best of… Phoebe Bridgers.

  1. “Motion Sickness”

What would a Best of Phoebe Bridgers be without her most well known single, “Motion Sickness”? This song, a mild expose of a toxic relationship, is one of her most melodically potent songs, and has a catchier chorus than most of her other works. Despite the upbeat sounding percussion and springy guitar, the song conveys the hurt that Bridgers went through during her relationship and her liberating herself from that hurt.

Favorite Lyric: “You said when you met me you were bored / And you, you were in a band when I was born.”

  1. “I Know the End”

The closer on her sophomore album, “Punisher,” “I Know the End” is one of her more experimental tracks. The song starts out like most of Phoebe Bridgers’ tunes, a soft whisper of longing, but it builds up to be a metal song, complete with blood-curdling screams and heavy percussion toward the end. This ballad about Bridgers’ mental health and struggle with depression is chock-full of noteworthy and breathtaking lyrics, and is by far one of the best album closers I’ve ever heard.

Favorite Lyric(s): “I’m always pushing you away from me / But you come back with gravity” and “Windows down, scream along / To some America First rap country song.”

  1. (cover of) “Friday I’m in Love” by the Cure

This isn’t technically a work of Bridgers herself, but her cover of “Friday I’m in Love” by the Cure is a refreshing take on the hit 90s rock song. Her soft vocals and the calming instrumentals feel like a breath of fresh air after a long day.

Favorite Lyric: “Dressed up to the eyes / It’s a wonderful surprise / To see your shoes and your spirits rise.”

  1. “Kyoto,” “Kyoto (Copycat Killer Version)”

“Kyoto” would be the song I would recommend to anyone looking to get into Phoebe Bridgers’ music. This unusually upbeat track is juxtaposed with lyrics about her rocky relationship with her father. This horn-heavy track is perfect to scream-sing along to in the car with friends, and is my personal remedy for hard days. More recently, Bridgers came out with a strings only version of the song with Rob Moose. This more melancholy take on the song makes the lyrics all the more powerful and is definitely a tearjerker. 

Favorite Lyric: “Born under Scorpio skies / I wanted to see the world / Through your eyes until it happened / Then I changed my mind.”

  1. “Funeral”

This is definitely one of Bridgers’ saddest songs, as it is about the death of a close friend. This song seems to capture the darkness and light of grieving, and the feeling of celebrating a life publicly and mourning a death privately. This duality of grief is perfectly captured in the intro of the song, which starts out with a gritty reverbed electric guitar that flows into a melodic acoustic guitar. This track is one of my favorites from her debut album, “Stranger in the Alps.”

Favorite Lyric: “And I have this dream where I’m screaming underwater / While my friends are waving from the shore.”

  1. “Garden Song”

“Garden Song” is exactly what it sounds like it would be, a melodic and warm song about hopes and dreams– an unusually positive theme for Bridgers’ discography, but a welcome one. This leading single is what drew me to her discography, although not thematically on par with the rest of her music, it most definitely is sonically typical of her work.

Favorite Lyric: “The doctor put her hands over my liver / She told me my resentment’s getting smaller.”

This is merely an overview of my personal favorites, so if you’re just getting into Phoebe Bridgers, by all means don’t stop there. If you’re dying to listen to my picks now, check out this playlist. She has worked on many other projects including Boygenius and Better Oblivion Community Center. She has also collaborated with Fiona Apple, The 1975, Lord Huron and quite a few others throughout her career. Bridgers did just announce on Nov. 10 that she is releasing an EP of songs from Punisher with string instrumentals, which we got a sneak peek of with her releasing “Kyoto (Copycat Killer Version).” Although I am definitely late to the Phoebe Bridgers scene, I am just glad to be here and that I can absorb her artistry.

Check out her website and Instagram!

<3,

Caitlin