February | Tate Chmielewski (Patreon)

First, let me wish you all a very happy Valentine's Day. I celebrated mine early on Wednesday with sushi, sake, and hours of arcade games at Dave and Buster's (the new Tomb Raider arcade game took a lot of my money). I know that this day is often viewed as a ploy for businesses to milk money from those that are convinced that love must be shown in monetary value... but I do not think that is all we should take from it. I also find people criticizing Valentine's Day by saying that we should love every day of the year, not just on February 14th. Of course, this is true; we should always show affection, love, and empathy towards those that we care for. However, I find it silly to oppose a day that is dedicated to that. I like the idea of a day dedicated to unity and understanding. I wish a lot of us did show it more. But no matter your views on the holiday, your relationship status, or your earnings per year... I hope you feel loved and give love today. And if you get lonely...

Here is a set to keep you company while you are warm in bed this evening. 

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This set was taken just last month as I embarked on my first tour of 2019. I left Nashville very early in the morning to meet Tate in Louisville for our session. I have worked with Tate about three or four times and his creativity never disappoints.

A particular favorite of mine in this set was working with the plastic wrap; I had actually never done this and I made me really want to experiment more with shooting through and on top of different textures. The mood it evokes is such a unique emotive darkness and I am very pleased with it.

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I have had a terribly hectic year thus far, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Being busy helps me not fall into the dark places in my mind, but it is also very draining. I cannot wait to graduate so that I can devote more of my time to self-actualization through art, food, and working out. I skipped class today in order to catch up on some networking and posting. Tomorrow I leave with a group of friends to stay in a glorious cabin for the weekend that resides in Gatlinburg. I am hoping this free flowing time of creating with friends helps spark some creativity in me as well as release some of my growing tension.

I hope you all can find something to do the same.

Lilith