Gal Circle Rejection (storytime #1)

Rejection 

So, have I ever told you that I was rejected from a gyaru circle before?

Those who may see my posts popping up on Twitter may have seen a little bitty post about that regarding my gyaru lifestyle? era? career?

When I was transitioning into a gyaru, I thought it would be fun to meet up with others who were into the style as well to help hold myself accountable even more. Being a pa-gyaru (fake, or poser gyaru) was a no-go. Even though I had friends who didn't mind my style, I wanted to test out the gyaru circle lifestyle to see how I would measure up. 

I remember applying to Angeleek (Japan's BIGGEST and most well-known gyaru circle) with an introduction done with Google Translator because my Japanese was far too basic at the time. It was a shot in the dark but I tried. As I spent time on Ricochet, I reviewed the available gyaru circles with a focus on the Midwest area of America. At the time, I considered Bulaklak or a different circle with one of those members as well as Chicago's first gyaru sa, Kamikaze Girls, Chicago Diamond gyaru L.A.'s first gyaru circle. 

I can't remember the full reason for my rejection, but I have some assumptions. One could be that I was still fairly new to the scene and lifestyle. One assumption that came to mind in recent years was that maybe I wasn't too liked despite my standing in the online-based community upon my arrival. 

That rejection made me want to work harder on my style since I could see what I could improve on. One of those factors was wearing heels. This clumsy girl who'd trip over her own size 10 feet? hrm.... 

Nick Cave @ Mca

 

A man willing to risk it all for his art. That is the man I went to go see give a talk about his recent installation at the MCA. Nick Cave's talk has been my 3rd artist talk of the year, and this one called out to me the most. I came across a book with photographs of his body of work and I was intrigued. I liked the playfulness of some of his designs and his take on issues as well. His colourful forms and patterns was refreshing to come across after having instilled the mindset of realism and achieving high levels of detail was most important than the joy one can receive when making artist pieces.

Some of the take aways from this interview was that he believes in working with materials AND people that you trust is so important. Nick also likes to have moments in solitude at his studio even with a team of competent assistants. As time has passed, his art work is still created with found materials from outside. 

One aspect of his workflow that I admire deeply is his ability to jump into a project quickly without much preparation time or materials or the need to transport materials from his studio to an artist residency elsewhere. I am not sure the pace of his workflow, but to be able to not overthink the details so much surprises me. 

Have you seen Nick Cave's body of work before? Share your comments! I'd love to hear from you!