BigSockTramp

I’m an expresssive arts and trauma therapist, but I’ve been neglecting my own art while I was building my career. Now that I’m self employed, I’m going to change that. I was recently reminded how much fun I used to have swapping handmade post cards and ATCs on here, so I’m back! I’m looking forward to the inspiration and playfulness that can come from surprises, connection, and working within constraints.

I’m a radical queer enby artist living in rural Northern California. I used to love bringing a journal on adventures both near and far. I was that person in the corner of the cafe people watching, sketching, doodling, and writing poetry or vignettes. I hope to do that again. Until then, I’ll be at home taking inspiration from divination and my own healing journey, my cats, and the natural world.

Whatever I feel like at the moment, really. I enjoy crochet, bookbinding, collage, art journaling, altered books, and pen and ink drawing. Getting back into ATCs has reminded me how much I love hand drawing and painting. I like to make things from re-use materials whenever possible. I’ve been bullet journaling for a few years now in a minimalist, utilitarian way.

I'm in this to be surprised, so don't take these as directives, please. I've included this info in case you desire some suggestions or additional inspiration. Thanks!

Likes: Stripes, saturated colors, genderqueer imagery, trains, linocuts, hats, boots, shoes, comics, words, quotes, fortunes, linguistics, psychology, perverted or pervertable vintage imagery, book arts, astrology, CARDS! (tarot cards, reading flash cards, playing cards, board game cards, cards with random pictures, post cards...) cats, tigers, turtles, spiders, rats, octopuses (octopi?), bright colors, children's books, text book imagery, diagrams, instructions, maps, amusing translations, languages and language, cognitive science, trauma recovery, words, boxes, decaf and herbal tea, handmade, re-use....

Dislikes: Anything scented that gives me a headache, caffeine, really girly stuff, dogs, pastels, yellow by itself or as a main color...

I'm a reader, so I can't really pick a few favorites. Speculative fiction (especially contemporary fantasy from feminist or queer perspectives) is my favorite escapist reading. Alternative/indie comics are also great, though I’m not as current on what’s good now that I live in a town without a comic store that only stocks mainstream stuff. I also like reading about behavior (human and animal), psychology, and books that teach me practical skills. During 2020, most of my reading has either been contemporary fantasy (mostly Seanan McGuire) or trauma therapy related.

Anything I can dance to is good. I also quite like lyrics that tell a story. I tend to prefer acoustic over electronic and grass roots music over mainstream super groups unless there’s a nostalgic connection to a particular song or artist.