The trip was originally planned just with my dog Chebom. Dad declared he wanted to go together last minute; I wasn’t too sure about traveling together for the first time but I could tell he wanted to support me for the exhibition. I knew taking a 6 month puppy that is huge and Dad who is picky about everything may not be the perfect trip but it may be worth it somehow to spend quality time together. As a perfectionist and being always skeptic about my artwork if it’s worth to be hung on a gallery wall, this exhibition was my first application for an exhibit and first acceptance. It was pretty exciting to see my work in a frame. Now that I say it I have to remember again that the reason why I came back to art school was to actually create artworks that could be hung on the wall, not just fashion photographs on the magazine.
Meeting Chris was a nerve-reliever for me in the beginning of the exhibition; meeting Anushka was like the energetic wrap up for the day, a positive sigh that it was done. I could say that exhibition was meaningful not because of the fact that it was exhibited and recognized but because there was my father, and the friends I got connected because of the work right at that place. I’m probably going to now see this work and remember those two bright, talented fellows.
Actually I’ve been constantly thinking of continuing the series of that work to create a collection; maybe I should make time next quarter on the side to start that. Sticking with one palette, design, seems so difficult for me still- maybe because I’m still in the exploring phase? Maybe this will come to a cohesive style eventually? Or not?
Savannah was rainy and shiny. Showers. Brought me memories of first year at SCAD. Can’t believe I’ve never eaten at any restaurants at Savannah except for the Old Pink House. I did some research to find a place to dinner and there were so many beautiful places in historic buildings. The duck dish of mine was an unforgettable; the meat sauce tasted like Asian Zing from Buffalo Wild Wings and the risotto under it was creamy and buttery.
We actually visited the beach just twice in three nights; sadly Chebom couldn’t go. And the second day on a shiny day there were just too many people. I preferred the night beach we saw which was gorgeous. Reminded me of the beach at Galveston, also the sunset at Laguna beach. It was actually first time to see beach with dad ever if I think about it; and it was quiet, relaxing… it seems like we both enjoyed the scenery after the long day. Night beaches are the best… especially the entrances at a dead end of a neighborhood.
The first night was at an airbnb right in the center of Tybee island; dad said this town is literally a white person based beach city. Which was right we were the only asians with a big dog (laugh). Nevertheless, the small one-story buildings were tiny and I was able to buy some summer hats that fit me (American hats do not fit my head..) also with patchwork pants that I am wearing right now writing this in bed. Walking along a beach town with dad licking on ice cream was a sweet memory; I was tired but it was a nice walk. This was already Chebom’s second travel in her life sleeping in a strange place but she did well. It seems as she behaves better when she is not home… The place was nice and cozy, but a great downside that it was right next to the road where there were so many crazy drivers or motorcyclers all night which I determined again not to rent a place that has lower review stars than 4.9!
After the loud, people filled beach I came to our next place to stay the next nights and I was stunned; it was the in a neighborhood right before entering the main downtown area of Tybee which was so quiet. There was a random river that ultimately leads to the beach in the neighborhood and the backyard faced right to the river. The sunset light was shimmering the warm furnitures which I had to get my camera out and capture. Chebom absolutely loved the backyard and ran around the whole time eating random black berries from the trees. There is just these places that give me peace and welcoming right when I enter, and it comes from cautiously choosing the place and also good luck possibly. The wind was so breezy, cooler than the wind at the beach; I was able to finally rest from the previous night’s tiredness. I still can’t forget the master bedroom located at the end of the hallway apart from the kitchen and living room; king size bed with white bedsheets and low pillows that did not hurt my neck. After the nap I thought I could seriously sleep in this bed all day.
Geoff was the owner of the house; he was from Malvern by the Thames and his accent was just heaven in ear. How long have I not heard British accent in person? After the nap I walked out Chebom to backyard at night and Geoff, his wife Vicky, and his friend and Geoff’s dog Lucy came to greet me. We sat by the river and talked about each other, my artwork, the dogs… And there were beautiful stars in the sky. The place and the people made me think that this is the real vacation. Good people, quiet place with nature. I still can’t believe how welcoming they are, I’ve been to so many airbnb’s and never had hosts come up and sit around to talk by the river in the night breeze. Hope they are doing well. I promised myself I will visit here again with Chebom sometime. For sure.
We didn’t plan to go to Savannah originally but dad thought we saw enough of Tybee Island. Second best memory of the trip; meeting these amazing two people. They were in my first class in SCAD class at Savannah, and two were who I kept in contact with the most. Before I left Savannah to Oklahoma we had lunch together at this small lunch cafe in front of the campus and that probably connected me to keep in touch with them. I still remember taking a selfie of three of us with Dhruv’s phone and going to the plant shop with Jamila. In class I was astonished with Dhruv’s drawing skills and realized that SCAD Pro wasn’t the class for him; he would have done so much fun maybe in industrial design class or so. Jamila looked gorgeous in her sky blue summer dress and somehow her face looked more comfortable than the last time I saw her in winter, maybe it is the weather. She encouraged me so much about my boutique and vision after graduation, and handed me her beautiful watercolor landscapes of Savannah written to remember Savannah. I realized how easily we talk in conversation, and I knew I was going to miss her after she graduates and leaves Savannah. But if she does start working at Cali, I will definitely go and visit her.
Chebom was just curious here and there dragging me all around, but both of them were so kind and patient to wait for her. Dhruv knew how to play with her and casually became friends with Chebom. I really couldn’t thank them enough for making time in the weekend to see me at this beautiful Forsyth Park.
Tybee Island had amazing weather; I loved it because there weren’t many people. What I needed was just some fresh wind from greenery and palm trees. The trip was right at the beginning of this quarter when I just started my artworks. I knew this trip will be a great getaway before I dive in too deep into my studio time and it indeed gave me full four days not to think about my works. It’s fascinating that it’s when I’m away from the subject when I think about that subject matter most objectively with a wiser solution. I have thrived ever since I came back with my works and assignments. I will definitely miss that breeze from this trip, with my precious people who made this trip wonderful.
