Q & A with creature comforts artist Xee Reiter
In preparation for creature comforts, we reached out to each artist to tell us more about what gave them joy and solace over the past year:
In 2020 we spent more time with ourselves than most of us have in our entire lives. Have you noticed anything new, surprising, or novel that you feel comfortable sharing with us?
Xee: At the start of quarantine and throughout I did something I hadn’t done before: cooked three meals per day while wearing sweatpants around the clock
Were there any repetitive processes that stood out to you over the last 16 months? Either in your artwork, or in your daily life?
Xee: Making art has always been therapeutic for me. Since March of 2020, I’ve filled an entire sketchbook from cover to cover, illustrated a lot of food, made my own fonts, finished a dollhouse, took ceramics and painted two murals. I also spent a lot of time in my garden and canned a lot of our harvest.
Where have you found wonder in your daily life?
Xee: It’s never ending! I love to challenge myself to learn new things and juggle multiple projects simultaneously. The wonder in my daily life is typically a question: “what’s going to stop me?” The answer usually is “time”.
Music is universally linked to our lives, serving as a safe space for our thoughts, a distraction, a routine, and a space for comfort. Music is especially tied to the formulation of memories. Tell us about songs that you found yourself playing on repeat over the last year. Was there a song or artist you were drawn to, especially while sheltering in place and while social distancing?
Xee: I rotate between Phantogram, Wolf Alice, Jhene Aiko and Frank Ocean.
Is there a song that never fails to lift your mood? That brings you comfort?
Xee: Into Happiness by Phantogram
Any music you think of in relation to this exhibition that wasn't yet prompted? Share anything!
Xee: Don’t get me started on Megan Thee Stallion on Tiny Desk concert. She was amazing on the mic with a live band, worked the audience with her larger-than-life energy. It’s hard to believe I wasn’t a fan until I watched her session with NPR. Respect.