“I’m weary of the ways of the world,” once sang Solange and these days I can’t help but share the sentiment. On the track “Weary,” the singer also croons about “feeling like you’re chasing the world.”
During quarantine, we had to process the combination of forced staticity and the demand to double our efforts to make up for a loss that is out of our control. Our bodies are contained physically under conditions that are the opposite of tranquil. When there’s a storm, expect forgotten things to rise and wash up on the shore.
Weary ones, take your well-deserved rest so you can get back up and face tomorrow. Find your personal rest stops and sanctuaries. For me, they’re in the form of soothing art accounts for the soul. Here are some of my favorites that you can also visit to reacquaint yourself with the bravery in being joyful.
Tc2oh
The updates for Twitter user Tc2oh’s short comic series about an Animal Crossing island called Deadend is something I look forward to. It’s made up of poignant but hopeful stories about found family and creating a home for yourself.
Running the island is a human named CODEC, who introduced themself to the villagers as a time traveler. As the audience, we are made privy to their heartfelt conversations. We watch CODEC reluctantly say goodbye to Dotty as she moves out of the island. We see Bruce assure CODEC that they’re not clingy because it is natural to rely on the kindness of strangers-turned-friends. Whether you play AC or not, the series will touch your heart.
Nicko Tumamak
Hi, I'm Nicko, 21, Philippines 🇵🇭 #ArtistsofSEA 😚🤩😜😇 pic.twitter.com/QR5M3kd18n
— 🌸 nekokonut ⚡ (@nekokonut22) January 16, 2019
Filipino artist Nicko Tumamak is fond of drawing the intimate and undisturbed moments between queer couples. They’re in their own little bubbles and we get to savor that sense of closeness with them. Fantastical or familiar slice of life, Tumamak will have you yearning for your own love story.
A kiss between a manananggal and a diwata. Two boys adopting their first puppy together. Gay gods in barong with their arms wrapped around each other. There’s no such thing as too sweet in my book. Seeing others living their best lives, even if they’re fictional, is an instant mood booster.
Passion Peachy
Art Summary 2019 pic.twitter.com/ko4JFH9cg1
— a💤ul (@passionpeachy) January 1, 2020
In some circles, Passion Peachy or PJ is known as the artist behind that Moomin account on Twitter. Although a self-proclaimed “Moomin propagandist,” PJ doesn’t just draw fanart for Tove Jansson’s children’s classic series about the inhabitant of a pastoral paradise called Moominvalley.
Like Jansson’s work, PJ’s creations are also tender and wondrous. Aside from Moomins, they also draw humanized forest creatures and WLWs just having a good ol’ time. They retweet a lot from other artists so give them a follow if you want an extra dose of gentleness on your timeline.
Habunny Art
🌇 🌆 🌃 pic.twitter.com/NiKlS1Qckj
— habunny🍊 (@habunnyart) May 15, 2020
Benildean illustrator Habunny Art or Jomer has a series of song-inspired pieces that explore romance between different types of people. A lot of his work are also visual poetry pieces that translate ideas of longing and promise using Posca pens or with a camera.
Jomer also makes watercolor stickers sets. The “Iris Tea Party” set, which is a collaboration with fellow artist Courtney. includes a group of half-human half-animal illustrations going about their day. A set called “Mysticisms” is all about a love that is equal parts unsure and reassuring. Jomar’s art calls for some quiet contemplation that we can relish.
Art by Tricia Guevara
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