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E A R T H P U N K // a nite of a r t + e a r t h + c o n n e c t i o n + s o u n d + q u e e r d o ' s

A fundraiser summary for Terrarium Studio + new woven work

Author

carah a
December 15, 2024

*A short recap of a fabulous fundraiser night through photos + how to donate to support Terrarium Studio*

December 11th 2024 at It’s OK Studios

DON’T TOUCH THE ART!!!!

Just kidding. This is me and fellow weaver, Carol Ann Apilado (she/her), investigating my latest woven piece that I made specifically for Terrarium Studio’s fundraiser show at It’s Ok.

The woven piece when it was in progress. One inch of work on the loom takes me about one hour.

I was invited to take part of Terrarium’s fundraiser launch and showcase by Kikeyah (she/her) who was showcasing work she made as part of Terrarium’s first artist residency (along with Sun [they/them]!). Terrarium is the current project focus of CUE Arts Projects - a toronto-based organization ran by Zanette Singh (they/them), which has supported artists on the margins since 2017. Terrarium is run by the collective effort of Zanette Singh, eli howey (he/him), and Rajni Perera (she/her). Terrarium Studio is a DIY studio space dedicated to supporting queer and trans artists in the city. As many creators in this city are aware of, DIY art-centered spaces, are seemingly becoming harder to find and create. That’s why I am super honoured to have been apart of this fundraiser night and to enter the vast and important continuum of Cue Arts Projects.

If you would like to support Terrarium, please consider donating. There are also art print packages from Oreka James, Rajni Perera, and others, with various donation amounts!

I was originally going to offer tarot readings IRL at the fundraiser, but my mind and energy were at -10% so this was canceled last minute. But I’m glad it worked out that way. I was so immersed in the atmosphere and conversation of those around me throughout the night. And if I wasn’t talking to people, just observing the crowd was so enriching. Plus, since the fundraiser was organized in a very short amount of time, I didn’t know many of the artists I was co-collaborating with and got to meet some of them that night. I especially loved having a one-on-one conversation with Jos about their earth work installation (which can be seen in the foreground and background of the second photo below) and, therefore, their earthwork practice (working with and creating relationship with the land). In turn, I got to share with them the story behind my latest woven piece. Which I’ll probably write about in detail another time.

The earthpunk calling of the show was not only present in the art shown, but in the practice and values of the artists apart of the show. In my short time spent in the space, the intention and collective magic of the art, artists, and community created an atmosphere that I haven’t felt in a public space with strangers in a long while. I smiled at many strangers and received smiles back more than 50% of the time haha! I loved it.

So, most of the pictures I’m sharing here are from friends or screengrabs from the very minimal videos I did take. If you peruse the various socials of the artists I’m sure you will be able to graft the overall vibe of the night :) I will be sharing those below.

Two travelling flute players find each other ❤️ Kikeyah and Juanito (he/they/she) (@juani.juani.jua)

Despite the very chilly night it was very beautiful to see all the people who came thru to see the show.

Artwork by Zanette Singh, founder of Cue Arts Projects. I helped with braiding some of this hair :))

A screengrab from the live performance of eli’s band, Little Window! There were three other performances that night, including a very emotionally intense performance that pushed people (i’m people) past their limit of sonic comfort. Regardless, I’m glad there was space created for art that causes discomfort.

Screengrab from a video taken from the night. It was a very fashionable crowd for sure.

eli helping with the install of Zanette’s work the day before.

There was also free food throughout the night and a table full of merch. More merch can be purchased through this fundraiser link if you want to check it out.

All artists who were apart of the show were Kikeyah Alina Chavez, Zanette Singh, melisse watson, Oreka James, Kikki Guerard, eli howey, Rajni Perera, Kian A., Andre Baynes, Joce , faye mullen, Danica Drago, Sun, and me :)

A very butt filled image of Rajni Perera helping my install my work two nights before the show. Danica, in the back, went hard with filling, sanding, and painting the walls for this show!! Big shout out.

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And where my work is focused currently… my spiritual services

As I shared previously my focus is no longer on my tatu practice but on offering spiritual services to the public. Alongside weaving, connecting in this way with folks feels the best and most fulfilling as winter begins.

Are you looking for insight on your current life purpose? Wanting to check in with your emotional/physical/mental/spiritual self? Looking for dream clarification? Insight on a current life situation? Unsure about where you stand spiritually?

If you would like to book a virtual session with me to honour some time to be in connection with your spiritual team/self, here is an overview of what I’m currently offering:

30 minutes / $44 is for quick and straight forward inquiries i.e. general check-in, insight into a situation, a yes/no situation … etc…

1 hour / $88 offers more time for a deep dive into a complex or layered situation, or if you just want more time + space to check in with yourself.

I use candle wax and water to discern messages at the beginning of each reading. It’s a great way to receive messages, especially if you are also a visual learner. I learned this technique from my mentor Jennifer Maramba.

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Thank you so much for reading. If you enjoyed what you read here, feel free to forward it to someone who may enjoy reading these types of emails in their inbox.

Below are other independent or local writers who I enjoy getting emails from to avoid being chained to socials:

much love,

carah (care-rah)