 Okay! So I love music, on average I listen to about anywhere from 5 to 8 hrs of music, podcasts, youtube videos a day…. I got my headphones in a lot these days. C’mon you all know that kid…. But yea I like variety but I am also that bastard that listens to the same like 25 songs on repeat, So here goes nothing be gentle if you're reading this feel free to find these songs and listen along.
The Morning: I usually wake up before my alarm around 5:30, the alarm is set for 7:15 am. I meditate for 15 mins, because it is hard as balls, and do yoga for 30 mins, then go on a 5 mile run on the canal It usually takes me a little less than 45 mins, but it's been really hot lately so lets clock it at an hr. The Drums: I listen to: Days. The Space Gurus: Their new song Pressure Point is really cool, and it's 7+ mins so that's an easy mile. They are like a cool fusion kinda jazz funk band. My friend Cole kills it on the guitar. The Beach Boys: I have been going to the beach by myself a-lot this summer! You know you are listening to hell-a good vibration on full blast, while flying down the NJ highway. It’s what Brian would have wanted me to do. I also listen to a ton of Dragonforce and Rob Zombie when I am in NJ. I am still not sure why. Tiger Jaw: is my favorite band! And semi local, they are out of Wilkes Barre, but I've ran into Ben on south street in Philly pretty often. He is really nice! I listen to: Planes vs. Tank vs. Submarine and I Saw Water. Circa Survive: I am biased, local to the Doylestown area, and they just remind me so much of high school, and post college, I am happy to call these guys my friends. Anything Anthony does is pretty cool in my book. I listen to: The entire On letting go album usually every few days. Tasha Sultana: I found her on facebook one day, I was blown away this lady has some serious talent. I Listen to: Notion Bright Eyes: makes me feel all the feels before breakfast, I listen to: Train Under Water and First Day of My Life. Duh something about it idk. Sure Curse: I love this band, I have tried to see them every time they come my way, I think that has been like two or three times now. I listen to: Freaks, and Forever Dumb on the Sad Boys Ep. Cause you know I want my daily dose of sad boy. Some Ghosts: I did some album art, and merch ideas for this local band out of Bucks County, they kinda remind me of that midwestern emo stuff. They were really nice to work for as well. I listen to Sleep Soon. Delta Sleep, I have been finding a new appreciation for math rock, I love that shit it's great when I am doing art, or studying for School. I listen to: Lake Sprinkle Sprankle. Mom Jeans: My friend Meg showed me this band and I nearly cried. I loved it. So fucking sad, and reserved only for the finest Dr. Seuss weather …. I listen to: Death Cup. The Afternoon: Giraffes? Giraffes!: Anytime they come on my Spotify I almost lose my poops. I listen to: I Am S/H(Im)E[R} As You Am S/H(Im)E[R] Moon Hooch: This is my friend band from Brooklyn, I saw them play with this band called Not Blood Paint. Deff look them up: I listen to: Number 9 ( They play for a field of cows in one of their music videos! *Not Blood Paint: I listen to Promiscuous. Cavetown: I love anything by Cavetown, not my usual type of music, but my brother got me hooked on him :) I listen to: Lemon Boy, and This is Home, I was at an open mic and someone covered this and I nearly cried my head off. Daughter: I saw them live with my mom, she didn’t really appreciate it. She said they were too slow for her and I felt uncomfortable with how much she drank that night. What I listen to: Smother and the song No Care, the music video is pretty cool, lots of red lighting. Much panoramas! Soccer Mommy: I listen to: Your Dog. Evening: Jank: I listen to General Tso What Thick: I listen to: Your Mom. Beach Bunny: I listen to: Prom Queen The Frights: I listen to: You Are Going To Hate This. The Taxpayers: I Love You Like An Alcoholic. Fugazi: Waiting Room Pup: I listen to: Scorpion Hill, and Closure - This band was BANANAS to see live! I am glad I did when I had the opportunity. They played with AJJ too which was bizarre but so cool. Late Night: Spilled Milk Society: I listen to Turtleneck Boy. It just popped on my daily one day, Thank you Spotify for replacing that one friend I had who had a strong taste in music. A Great Big Pile of Leaves: I listen to: Snack Attack and Pizzanomics. I love this band whose shit is really hard to find on vinyl. I am still keeping an eye out for them, but limited runs. Camping In Alaska: I listen to: dragon ball z budokai tenkaichi 4. Zolof and the Rock & Roll Destroyer: I listen to: argh…. I’m a Pirate. A SHIT TON OF RUSSIAN HARDBASS, I blame my stint I spent in Northeast Philadelphia. See you next week glucose tushies! - Ash Catcher
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Ash Wednesday: Phantom Artist? Why I Insist On Hiding My Creative Talents From My Family Members.7/29/2020 I am not too open about my family, and even me, writing things, right there typing this...ooooof Ash the hell are you doing? I mean very, very few people know about the vagina I fell out of. If I could get away with I was adopted I would, but I look way too much like my dad to pull that card. People are even kinda surprised I have a sibling. I guess, I just scream as an only child to some people. I love being single because then I don’t have to worry about A) people leaving me when reality sets in, and B) I become a codependent people pleasing infant in most monogamous relationships. Thanks, Mom, Dad. I rarely invite someone I am dating to meet my parents, lately the last few relationships, it felt like an obligation, I am really not looking to put myself or anyone else for that matter in that situation again. They never go well. As a kid, I spent A LOT, and I mean a lot of time alone[. A]t first, I solely blamed the Harry Potter novels[.] I remember pre ordering all of them from Goblet of Fire to the end of the series. When they came in the mail[,] I would grab them out of my moms hands, and disappear in my room from anywhere from 2 to 5 days at a time. I wouldn’t come out. I had to finish, and see this book all the way through. More like I needed to check the fuck out for about a week, and dissociate like a mofo. Ya know, being 10 I wasn’t exactly rolling in vacation funds. I did what I could. When I finished all the Harry Potter books, I moved on to a few more series, and then I found Art to be my new flavor of escapism. I escape often these days.
I either have two modes in life: I either bounce around to a bunch of different projects, and eventually get them done, or I stay in something WAY too long. It could be anything… but 99% of the time it's a one[-]sided relationship. I just don’t know when to give up, or leave the party. Now I make sure all my projects, logos, whatever are what I call "quick hit projects” If it takes more than 2 days, it’s probably never gonna get done. I don’t let anyone know what I am doing or working on until it is already done, edited, and published. I am just like an all or nothing kinda gal. So why would I hide my artistic talents from my family? That's an easy one…. We are all in some weird shape or form an "interesting" creative family, my brother makes costumes and shoots videography, my mom did art, and plays the flute almost professionally, and my dad…. Welp… yea he lives like he is in a movie. I am not going to go into real detail about that, it’s just bizarre. I literally have no set direction on how I want to take my art. I never did. There are some days where I hate it, I hate the process, or lack thereof, because I never know what I make until it's done. I have been writing more because it is easier for me, and a little more cleaner than setting up a canvas and paint, although I did just do a quick hitter real quick I’ll link that boy down below. In addition to being an artist, I have taught kids and adults painting, drawing, and ceramic classes. I have been doing this since I took my first drawing class, If I am interested in something I fucking go dick deep into it. I never forget anything, and have a borderline photographic memory. I tend to put myself in a bubble sometimes when I am creating something. You literally wouldn’t understand it unless you have ever been that kid to shut themselves inside your room for hours on end. I love being by myself. I go almost anywhere, and everywhere alone, I go hiking, I run at night alone, and I became bilingual in Russian by myself. I just recently started doing my taxes alone too[;] I am very proud. Suck it, TurboTax. I am not sure if I like learning more, or teaching something. I have been teaching art for a really long time. I really enjoy connecting, and having kids super excited to attend my classes. That whole quote, about those that can[']t do, teach or whatever the fuck it is… yea clearly you had a shitty experience with teachers. I loved all mine, and yea I saw them as weird pseudo academic parental figures. I am still in contact with all my Art college professors. Even got a few jobs through them. It pays to be nice, and make friends. One of my many "quarantine quick hits” I also kinda low key think we are just in a black mirror episode…. And it kinda blows. Ash fucking focus, okay, yea, so, art: I’ll never admit this out in the open, but I am pretty sure my best art was in high school. You can stereotype me all you want, but I bet you would have dated me in high school too. I was the most passionate about art more than anything else. Nothing mattered to me more, I am so surprised I graduated high school, honest to god there were days I didn’t even show up. I missed about a month and half of school before my parents were even notified. I got caught up hanging out with a few art friends at a local community college, we just created all day, It was more up to my speed then sitting through 9 classes a day then going to work until 9pm at night, walking home in the dark than doing it all over again. I just had it. When I went to collage I fucking thrived, I survived critique days, made some bomb friends I still talk to today, and got my art out there and started fucking around with gallery and museum studies. I am not sure why I took a hiatus, post college was a no go. I feel like my life was a series of waves, I would always crash and burn- for as long as I can remember I want to say maybe since 17 or 18 I have always had a multitude of jobs, side gigs, projects, that was just who I was I had so much creative ideas, that I would end up sitting there in a pile of papers getting jack shit done. Talk about frustrating. Art helps me with my depression. I have SADS, and a few other little things, but for the most part but, like, hey, what child of the 90s fueled with nothing but Saturday morning cartoons, and cereal came out without a few screws missing, but still being a part of a nutritious breakfast. If I start to zone out chances are I can hear the X-Men theme song in my head, I can't be the only one that happens to, right? From about November to it is about mid march now, that is when things are usually the worst for me - I still am not sure why, because well global warming has been making my SADS strangely better, but the Corona Virus was kinda a curve ball this year but it’s cool, I am adapting thank you very much. Art has always been there for me, when people get frustrated with my constant mood swings, or my sudden disappearances. (My uncle is a magician, you can blame him.) I firmly believe that the pain, like the kind you inflict on yourself on your first critique day in art class, the kind that tears away at just you slowly over time. When you can confidently tell someone something traumatic about your childhood, and you just say “But it’s all good” after that kind shit. Now I addresses all my insecurities, and flaws yea that dark shit, that is where all that good fucking art comes from, don’t ya know? You have to do a deep dive, props to you if you can handle doing that sober too btw. I am coming up on almost 2 years without any alcohol, I don’t really talk too much about that but apparently it blows everyone's mind when I can be so social and be drinking nothing but Pellegrino. You need to go deep into that feeling well, reach in, and shake it, tell it to get bent, and make something out of it. Literally it has been my saving grace. I am pretty sure most of my family has nor will they ever see any of my art. I have had art shows, I have had pieces in galleries, I just sold a piece for close to 1000 USD AND they will probably never know, and I am kinda okay with them and people not know what I do, what I create, or how I live my life. I just do me, and I am really okay if nobody ever sees it. It is out there in the world, call it a free for all. See ya next Wednesday losers. -Ash Catcher Written by Ash Catcher As an artist, and you can take that as an umbrella term, because this year especially I have been working in some more unusual mediums, the term obsession could be considered the understatement of the freakin millennia. Yes, artists no matter what the outlet is obsessed with, well, themselves. I [am actually] not thrilled with the term narcissist, I think it is very important to love yourself unconditionally, and I can finally say after a really long time, and losing a lot of people that I am very happy with myself. I much prefer words like passion rather than obsession. I am passionate about expressing myself, through creative visuals, words, video, food, whatever I feel like. I am a creator, when most people ask me what I do for a living, I always end up struggling to answer them, I simply say I am a creator now. I mostly work on myself, and for myself, and yea[h] there are some things that I harbor on, and have to address, but hey, like I always say you have to suffer a little bit for your art. Otherwise, one, you are a poser, and two, all artists go through shit. So show it off, get it out there, even if nobody reads it, sees it, experiences, it, or tastes it. You put it out there. Most art is stored and undiscovered. Don’t hoard your creative efforts. I believe that Artists can hone their creativity and selective obsessions, (passions) and create a stream of conscious content. After all that is the hardest past for someone who is creative is coming up with an idea. Artists know the feeling well. You get absorbed in your work to the point of obsession. Yes, you might be making great art, but there is a personal, psychological price that you are paying to do it. Most of us deny that cost. We tough it out and put on the brave “everything’s ok and I love what I do” face. What we don’t reveal is the dark side of our obsession. When I started to think about this subject, it occurred to me that entrepreneurs and artists have a lot in common. They are both driven by a goal, the power and magnetism of which few others can truly appreciate. We become slightly manic, in our endeavors. Quite frequently, we put the work above all else, we take risks with our health and finances and we work ourselves into a right old emotional state, to get the art made or the venture to succeed  Here’s the thing. You are a creative creature, driven to produce because you’re wired this way. They call it hypomania, in some circles. You’re just crazy enough to pursue obsessions single-mindedly, but not so crazy that you’re clinically manic. You do share many of the symptoms, though. They say that people who are the children of immigrants are predisposed to hypomania. It’s in the genes. There are a high proportion of artists and entrepreneurs that have this slight manic quality to them, undeniably. Being slightly obsessive, and manic is a human condition, you feel things at seemingly higher amplitude than most. You’re happiest when you’re in the flow, but most anxious when you’re frustrated (being prevented from creating or pursuing your goal) or when you’ve failed (the venture folded, or the art was received badly or didn’t get finished at all). You always have to find yourself in that in-between zone between thwarted and defeated[ and ]where you are working slightly too hard, just to feel normal. Characteristically, artists and entrepreneurs that are slightly obsessed and manic are absorbed to the point of exclusion of most other important aspects of life – they’re overworked, often overextended financially, they neglect to take care of their bodies, health and relationships and they are highly critical of their own performance and output. In short, they’re not fun to be around anyway. Partners can find them detached, distracted and downright emotionally distant or even psychologically abusive. They might be thought to be isolated or narcissistic, even selfish. When they’re immersed in their work, they’re cut off from the world and everybody in it. I am guilty of it. That is why 99.834234% of the time I don't text someone back is because I am making something. A consequence of this state of being is that the hypomanic artist or entrepreneur (and after all, many professional artists are also entrepreneurs, it has to be said), is prone to feelings of stress, loneliness, boredom, anxiety, depression and loss of self confidence. They’re vulnerable, but can’t or won’t admit to it, for fear of it affecting their ability to complete the work. Sometimes, the worry caused by the work they have voluntarily undertaken to do can be psychologically debilitating. It can make you physically ill too. You look, to the entire world, like the heroic over-achiever, but inside you’re crumbling. The pay off, if you can live through it, is that you succeed. When you succeed, you enjoy the temporary spoils of the win, but being obsessive, it isn’t long before you throw yourself into your next obsessive project. It’s not something you can help. On the other hand, if you fail, the consequences can be devastating. You’ve made all these sacrifices and tried so hard, exhausted yourself, your finances and your relationships in the process and you’ve finished up with much less than you hoped for. Your confidence ebbs away. It makes it harder to pick yourself up and start again. In fact, you can begin to fear this feeling so much, that it stops you from starting. You just can’t face starting a new venture or new art project, for fear of the takeover of your entire life that comes with it, and the consequences of failure. Failure, if we are honest, is more likely than not. That’s just the way it is. It has been said that it’s a little like post traumatic stress disorder. You’ve been in battle, taken some bad hits and now you just can’t face getting back to the front line. In fact, you can’t help overreacting to all sorts of silly stuff. You’re shell[-]shocked. I, and a multitude of creative pals have had many failed start-up ventures. I abused my body, didn’t get enough sleep, or exercise and cut myself off from those around me when I needed them most. It was horrible. The failures make it hard for me to start new big things. I start a lot of small things, instead and try to see them through to completion. Call it therapy, call it obsession, call it whatever you want. It’s a numbers game and hey something is bound to stick. What I learned was that I was most able to deal with the anxiety when I had a paint brush, or a camera in my hand. It has always been this way for me. I feel at peace when it’s just me and a canvas, when others may be filled with frustration or dread. I am ready to see and literally paint the possibilities. I never ever EVER plan a painting. It is what it is, creating something out of nothing is exhausting. Manifesting something out of thin air, especially when you have no clue what you’re creating until it's all done is practically insane.  I also learned that to survive the obsession, and it's dark consequences, you need to love deliberately. Love yourself, and your loved ones and pay special attention to doing so. Sleep, eat right and relax when you need to. Take time to be who you are, rather than being owned by your obsession, and take time to be with those you love and to do the things you love to do. Finally, be courageous, emotionally honest and open hearted enough to admit to your vulnerability. If a project is taking too long for you to take a break, nobody will know but you. I almost never tell anyone about my personal creative projects until they are already conceptualized, and on the wall. You’ll be surprised at how much you can create when you pace yourself. Is there such a thing as loving your craft too much? Can you lose yourself in your own passion, even if you create something about yourself for yourself for other people…. How deep do you have to go before you go down the rabbit hole and your purple pills deep? Developing creativity, and realizing creative ideas usually take some degree of obsession. But is it on the borderline of a disorder? Is it some sort of pseudo artistic bullshit obsessive compulsive disorder? Is it a weird cocktail of anxiety and repetitive ritualized behaviors? Why the fuck do people even make art anyway?  I certainly think there is a darker side of creative obsession. Artists are OBSESSED with detail. Every artist I know has a form of OCD, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and a mixed bag of personality disorders. There is artsy, and then there is borderline insane. Sure it is a creative rainbow sliding kinky Kinsey scale.
Just like with everything in life there are extremes, The Artist is their own biggest fan, and worst critic. Whether we are aware of It or not, balance is out and obsession is in. People now more than ever are expressing their own beliefs, passions, obsession, and views. Let’s just chalk it up to a shitty year for humanity as a collective. So, my artistic friends, if you are engaged in an obsessive pursuit, beware of the dark side of the obsession and make time to maintain your own psychological health and that of those around you. It’s important.  This house, the one you should have grown out of, and left years ago is stale.
The people seem nice at first, but ya’ll are fake as fuck. Mask wearing anti socialites. Mommy- Daddy ( issues) playing house money hungry. This music scene is dead, long live the “scene”. Long live the growing debt, of all the money you spent. Broke too many guitar strings. Gone are the boys, now forgotten, this club sandwich, that's been in your section of the fridge since the 7th, has all gone a rye. THROW IT OUT. IT’S TRASH. The mental health issues have all come to light, the distractions are all gone, The beer, and liquor all drunk up. Should have squirreled some away for another day. I bet there are aluminum soda cans littered all over your room. And pizza makes me think of you. I haven’t had pizza in almost a year. I wish I got to watch all the Star Wars films with you before it was too late. But at least we ended it watching Empire. Back to bedroom guitar playing, picking through the past. Window sills were made for rainy days. Would you go back? Would you start fresher? Why do people sleep with fans on in their fucking face. You’re draining. I haven’t seen you in awhile, and I want to keep it that way. Unless you’re coming fucking correct. Is it capable of apologies? I don’t think I could see you so miserable. I know you have fathered a gnome. I bet it has your soulless eyes. The aftermath, after the party. Because as you know it’s always your party, {MINE}. I want this show to end. I am tired, we need to pack up still, load up, and I need to drive your drunk ass home. It’s the same dance, and songs, I am tired of it. The world is quiet here. I can feel you, watching me. Aren't you tired of staring at me through the window, or a screen. I know something you don’t know. It rains a lot now these days, have you been crying lately in your car? I know you aren’t sleeping because I have been awake (end) Sandwich King, I am getting tired of waiting. The service here, it kinda blows. No stars! Who died, and claimed all condiments communal? Communist condiments, make for great substitutes. A lovely mayo manifesto. How is my sub? I bet they taste…. Stale? You look like a sad sandwich boy. Your house is crumbling, the bread soggy. I cut carbs out months ago, I thought you should know. I eat salads now, because I am trying to grow. - Ash Catcher  Guys, listen the fuck up. I am so sick of the lack of female presence in the DIY Philly Music Scene. I. Am. Sick. So, I guess it’s a great thing that my badass friend, Megan Negron- Dalton dropped not only her first E.P. but the lady did it all herself, the writing, the recording, the amount of effort, love, pain, and passion that she put into this project has been nothing further than amazing. I am such a proud frickin' friend of hers! Megan’s EP is titled Bruised Peach. We touch upon self discovery, that with great pain comes some great fucking art and that, hey, at least we can always capitalize on our memories even if the past is long gone, dead, and buried back in Brooklyn. Meg’s got some raw talent that the music scene has been preaching for years, but I swear to all that was once a closed hole. If I hear another song about a car crash or glorifying a drug addiction it will be too soon. Megan’s EP offers none of that. There is just her and her guitar, I can’t wait to hear this live, with the slow rise to places opening back up post Co-VEE, this will be something for everyone who claims to DIY or die to get on their Spotify. Check out Megan’s EP Bruised Peach, my personal fav songs are At "War," and "Baby Johnson ( Brooklyn)" Check them all out! Also a nice Artwork lady!
-Ash https://open.spotify.com/artist/4CaTMD9qhTNX6SnjVFps0f?si=_8SlsKkxRoGRD1FwmF_aZA  These days, they just don’t feel the same
Everywhere I go I see your name. Forever stupid, forever young, and dumb. All those nights I spent with you, now I am just numb. All Times, Sad Times. I never get too close, feed them more lies. All Times, Sad Times. All Times, Sad Times. I never let them see who I really am Put up a front infront of all my “friends”. Hide behind the secret silence of the past. Because at this rate the future may not last. All Times, Sad Times. I never get too close, feed them more lies. All Times, Sad Times. All Times, Sad Times. I can't get the color of your bedroom walls out of my head. And the very fact, I always hated that you didn’t have a real bed. But these days I sleep just okay, just not as much. Oh fuck it you got me, yea I am craving for your touch. All Times, Sad Times. I never get too close, feed them more lies. All Times, Sad Times. All Times, Sad Times. Summer is almost here, and I can't help but think. How quick you were to ALWAYS judge me, and critique. For being myself, how DARE you judge me. Yea I maybe alone still, but at least I am free. I see your miscarry your happiness. It’s not hard to see. Because I think what hurts you. Also hurts me. All Times, Sad Times. I never get too close, feed them more lies. All Times, Sad Times. All Times, Sad Times. Ash Wednesday! Top Ten Traits of Artists: What you gotta know if you wanna get with my friends.6/24/2020  1. We Notice the Details We see things a little differently than the average person. We’re always looking at the aesthetic of things. It’s something we don’t know how to turn off. So be prepared for us to gaze longingly at a tree, because it arches perfectly to catch the sun’s rays. Something that may be insignificant to you is what draws us in and makes us look closer to find its beauty. 2. We’re prone to having a wandering eye. Like I said, it’s not something we can turn off. We like pretty things, what can I say? It doesn’t mean we’re more inclined to cheat, because when we’re invested, we’re invested, but we can’t help but be drawn to a pretty face. Don’t worry, we still think you’re prettier. 3. We want to connect.We don’t only search for meaning in our work, but in our personal lives. We’re not interested in shallow relationships. We search for potential in every date we go on. Authenticity. We want someone who understands the heart of us. 4. We hold grudges. Because our work requires us to plan and conceptualize our pieces in advance, we try to do the same with our communication. We’re certainly not immune to spontaneity or angry outbursts, but we do make a conscious effort to avoid them and mean what we say. If we have a partner who hurts us in a fit of anger, it can be hard to let go. Our first instinct is to take the scorn as the truth, even if later reconciliation reveals otherwise. 5. We set high standards for ourselves. Sometimes this means you’ll have to assure us that the shading on our subject’s left shoulder isn’t too overstated, or that the blue we used isn’t “too blue.” Sometimes, on the other hand, this’ll seem less tedious as it spills into our love life. We love to care for our partners. Even if it’s over the top. There’s nothing we’d love more than to outshine your exes, their exes, and anyone you could hope to date in the future (kidding… mostly). 6. We aren’t clingy. As much as we love to shower you with affection and have you pile into our laps for a shoulder rub and Walking Dead marathon after work, we won’t keep you from doing you. We love and value our alone time almost as much as we value time spent with others. 7. We’ll come over with paint stains. Even when we think we’re being super tidy, we’ll manage to have spots of paint lurking somewhere on us or our clothes. We’ll even manage to find a smudge of paint in between our toes in the shower. It’s best that you accept it as we have, because this is your life now. 8. We’re the most considerate inconsiderate people ever. While we may be holed up in the studio from time to time, running late for dinner dates will never go unexplained. Expect a weirdly precise timing text (explaining that varnish coat one will finish drying in 30 minutes and applying the second coat will take 2.5 minutes) and an apology when we get there that ends with us telling you why you are our favorite work of art. Picking up the check seems to help, too. 9. We have a weirdly high pain tolerance. Growing up tinkering with everything means we’ve probably landed on painting after a considerable amount of cuts, scrapes, and bruises. I have my fair share of burns from trying (and failing) to use a metal contraption to complete a wood burned painting. Who knew something so small could heat up so fast, huh? Knowing what my flesh smells like at various stages of burning means I don’t freak out over a cut when cooking, if I say anything at all. It’s almost a seamless transition from cut, to sink, to bandaging. You can expect that almost harrowing robotic response from your painter partner in a similar situation. 10. We have a weird sense of humor. Having such a vivid imagination definitely gives us an edge in our field, but it’s just another feature that we can’t turn off. Don’t be surprised when we laugh ourselves silly over hypotheticals that would never have crossed your mind. Or if we empty our bellies laughing over a simple story. It’s not simple to us. As soon as someone starts raving about a near-death experience with an Uber driver, we’re imagining it, almost too vividly, and painting in a few extra features that make it otherworldly to us. -Ash
Hey guys, and gals, or whatever y’all identify as these days, this week I wanted to take a moment, or I guess a blog post to highlight some of my creative friend’s quarantine projects they have slowly been coming in so I am sure i'll be doing another segment in the upcoming future, but yea so here we go! With all the insaneness and crazy that's going on in the world I thought there is a ton of artist’s content that is getting swept under the radar. So let's go! Ash Catcher Lexi Spino, Artist, Poet, Over all Badass Fairy Tales Sometimes we have expectations That will never get met Acceptance is a bitch Denial one of her best friends And alongside them Watching from another realm Is the mother of fairy tales Sometimes she crosses and sprinkles a bit of that golden daze into days flowing into nights But sometimes she just waits to make sure the others know where the line is and that line is also a bitch who sits in your head eating away at the back of it putting in the darkness that consumes the acceptance Until it just turns into denial of the wants and needs and leaves the reality of it all ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Charred feathers How do you move on from trauma when half of your trauma is attached to you for life. How do you accept the bad and leave it when there was something so beautiful created from i There's a special bond regardless when kids are involved and that can never be ripped or cut away. But the toxicity. The abuse. The anger. The depression. The manipulation. Still remains there as well. The regrets. The pain. The hatred. The sorrow. The resentment. The forgiveness. The battle can never be severed. How does one heal, when it is constantly coming back around? How does anyone love ever again… or be loved ever again… When it isn't just baggage but a whole airplane constantly in flames yet still in flight.  Artimes Prime, Philly Musician. Artimës Prime is a Hip Hop artist from the Philadelphia area. At 29 years of age, he has become a staple in Philadelphia’s underground music scene. Opening up for the likes of Michael Wavves, Beanie Sigel, Wiz Khalifa, and Snoop Dog; Prime brings a unique blend of power and consciousness into his music. His powerful tone mixed with his deep lyrics take the listener on a journey unlike any other. Known as the Boom Bap King, Artimës Prime likes to use 90s and early 00’s influences for his music, and with him performing at events like SXSW, it doesn’t look like he will slow down anytime soon. He is definitely about the pure craft of Hip Hop. https://music.apple.com/us/album/quarantreat-ep/1511368160 https://open.spotify.com/album/5MqJ1fmdsYjl1EGPE1Sjfk?si=BrFcO0STRH2qxih__r2nyw BLUR, Street Artist. Designer BLUR, is a Philadelphia/ Massachusetts based street artist that has been slowly creeping into the art scene for the past few years, It has been amazing to see how much their talent has been taken to the streets literally. BLUR is available for custom commission pieces, as well as murals. Check out their Merch too! Available at http://www.blurstreetart.co  Lea Herpich- Poet. Thank you to this awesome submission Lea! I am all about your style and writing. I am sure you are all about cottage core like I am! Really bad poetry How did I get here? How do I get back I’m walking on paths I’ve never seen I don’t know where I am but I have no fear The sun, the voice of comfort drying my tears I am where there used to be a swing Hung by a tree You are always with me, when you greet me again in the shape of the wind You are all always with me when I want to close my eyes, because I fear my heart will break -Lea, 21.04.2020 Poem for Jessie So far but yet so close No matter when No matter where Your kindness shines so bright I can see it from here You are always there No matter when No matter where So far but yet so close -Lea, 03.05.2020 Scraps of the “Collective Poem” “The sky a pale blue the flowers bloom for you Rusty soul and rusty bones that keep stumbling on stone” “We are spread across the world, but connected by the golden lace ribbon of magic, friendship and love” (Inspired by Florence Welch´s “Collective Poem” Project, written by Ariel, Agathe, Beth, Belle, Danielle, Emma, Lea, Margaret, Tessa, Jessie, Natalie and Steffi aka “The SAXY WITCHES” at one point during quarantine) Vincent Peter Leary, Artist, Musician, Sound Engineer  Vince, is a multifaceted individual for sure, with being the face of several small indie, and various metal music projects, its easy to say that this guy has some pure talent. Recently choosing to focus on art, Vince’s style can be described as modern impressionism. With inspiration driving from Henri Mattissue, his large scale colorful pieces are sure to catch the eyes of future up and coming artists in the Bucks County, Philly art scene. It’s a nice break from the over saturation of watercolor artists there are, that is for sure!
I don’t have kids of my own, but I do want them still one day. What I do have instead is I have taught, and cared for over hundreds of kids over the past ten plus years. I also got myself a fucking expensive ass degree in art education from West Chester, a whole lot of hubbub to fuck around with popsicles and summon some glitter demons. But yeah, I have an art education degree, and if anyone knows me is that I incorporate art into pretty much every damn thing I can. That even includes when I am teaching, especially when I am teaching. We all know that Art and Music are the first subjects to get cut from funding…. I am not gonna even go into the logistics but I have bought a hella lot of art supplies our of my own pocket just to ensure a child has a good experience with art. There is no better way in my personal opinion, than to utilize some paper and pencil and just get out all of that creative juju that has been cultivating throughout the day. I often will either use step by step instructions, or when I am working with smaller artists or very drunk adults I'll buy a variety of materials to see who and what come up with what. My money is on the really quiet kids, they always come up with the best stuff. I just did a lesson on Frida Kahlo the other day, we made her face and body out of a toilet paper roll. In this day and age toilet paper rolls are still a hot commodity is it not? Needless to say she came out like a boss! My pinterest be ill. I am actually teaching a few lessons on ceramics, and drawing online. It's difficult to say the least. I am not really a fan and I miss the studio a freak ton, but I am trying to be adaptable, and keep it high vibe. So yea, here is some cool stuff that I have learned being an art teacher for the past 11D7 years: 
 Not really my longest blog entry, but I have been kinda busy working on aiding in some activism projects as of late that have been taking up most of my free time. So next week will be longer I promise. Also if anyone would want to be apart of an online anthology: “Quaranzine” holla at me! ashlenzaritsky@gmail.com. Catch ya later[,] haters.
In my Senior year of high school I took a creative writing class, to my legit surprise it wasn’t as creative as I thought. I call false advertising! The teacher looked like she was melting into the floor, and she smelled like mothballs and her former husband’s pension. Now that I think of it I am not sure she had anything that she actually published before 1978. The end result was this: I got an A, but so did everyone else in the class, I made some really great friends, who I ended up going to college with, and I got called into the office almost every other week. Hey they said creative, so I went with it and ran! It’s Senior year, cut me some slack. Since then, not only do I not get called into the school's office anymore, instead, I have been met with praise for my view points, and creative efforts. (for real this time) That's a much better outcome. Some days when I am lacking inspiration, I'll look back on a few of those stories. I both get inspired, and cringe, 'cause some of them are written pretty poorly. Just because you are not good at something does not mean you are a failure. Failure is a mindset, it does not for one minute define who a person is. I believe it's better to have tried something and it flops, than to be too scared to do anything at all. Which is worse?  You can always try again, I tend to jump around to A LOT of projects, whether its in writing, art, my career, whatever. I like to do a variety of things because I'll be damned if I am bored or have a stagnant life. That is the worst thing for me is to be complacent in life. It’s too short so by all means do that creative project you always wanted to do. You’re going to grow so much even if you fail, you know for next time. I wasn’t always the best at cooking, my mom never taught me how to cook, but it was something I always wanted to pursue. I remember going to the library at school, and looking at cook books, this was way before Pinterest, too. In college I was disgusted with the food on campus, I begged my mom to get me off the meal plan, and learned to cook for myself. Now, I am much more confident in my cooking skills, but what stands out more is all my “failed” dinner ideas. You just brush it off and now you know that you cannot sub out pasta sauce for tomato soup. Don’t be an idiot, just follow the recipe. Now I am finishing the process of creating my first Digital Cookbook. Things change. With writing, or even with anything—Lets just say for example music—you need to practice, and for awhile, you’re gonna suck. Your composition is going to suck. You’re going to want to get frustrated, and just when you want to give up and quit it all clicks, you finally understand music theory and composition. You get out of your bedroom, join a band, you really have an opportunity to get out and hone your passions and craft.  It's better to try then to not try at all. Not trying is the real failure if you ask me. I see people that have potential, like real potential- I do not tend to surround myself with lame ass people. It always frustrates me that people just sit there and waste their talents, that's failure. Having no direction or no clue what you want to do, that's failure. Just do something, anything as long as you are putting out some sort of creative content. It is a mistake not to be true to yourself, that is the real failure. See ya next week!
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