Astrid Adventures

Merry Christmas

Added 2021-12-24 22:03:09 +0000 UTC

Merry Christmas!

Not exactly Christmas or holiday themed. I've been considering trying to build sets. This was a really simple concept with draping an extra piece of fabric or two. I'd like to add more fabric and levels to it, but would likely need a extra set stand to do so. So I'll be looking out for some.

I used only natural light. My skin reflects it a bit differently than it did last year when I hadn't tanned before. It is nice having my studio set in a spot that can have more natural light! I'm so excited for this set up. Deciding what to build and finding the time to do so has been the hardest part!

Anyway, the mood behind this set was me realizing how stressful December and the holidays are. When aren't they? There are so many expectations!! I have so many expectations. At first I tried to keep rather stoic, but then I realized trying to keep calm was blocking me mentally and creatively. Once I let it out, I could cycle through all the feelings and thoughts. A part of me is still stressed out, but feeling more under control and relaxed about it. I think bottling up feelings takes up so much energy. I find that getting a moment to let them out and realize them generally help me move on. I think, so many of us are attracted to art because it isn't socially acceptable to share feelings or emotions. They're often mocked or discounted when we do. But in art it is suppose to be okay, and "aesthetic". It may be that it is the easiest way for us to spark sympathy or empathy in others, or maybe emotions are only okay in the form of entertainment? Either way, I think it is what draws me to modeling, art, and self portraits. I think it draws a lot of people in.

If you're also having a moody Christmas (or any other holiday) and a moody New Year, maybe give yourself some space to channel it into art. It doesn't have to be good art or sharable. Hopefully expressing it for a moment in a permenant or semi-permanent way will help you move on from it.

Finally got some work done on my website to secure the SSL (long story), and will be working on rebooting my shop on there! I will start posting more photo sets for sale there, and the coupon codes for them on the $15+ tier