[케빈] artsy mail — continue living in, through, and for art

[trisharie]

Pose's Blanca!!!!!

Have you ever listened to a song that pushed you to stand up on your feet and start bopping to it while jumping with matching drumming arms to the point where one of your airpods falls? And suddenly, a series of oh-my-gods streams out of your mouth while you look for that airpod on the floor and check if it’s damaged or not.

Because that was me earlier, jamming to 30/90 from Tick, Tick… Boom! at 3 in the morning. I am already on my eleventh loop of the entire album right now (well, it’s a short album with only 12-13 songs.. sadly).

Yes, I have just finished watching it tonight and I told you previously that I wasn’t sure if I was going to get disappointed or not, right? Well, I am definitely not disappointed; in fact, I am extremely happy, positively overwhelmed, inspired, amazed, and just overall grateful to have witnessed such a musical film that showcases the artistry of many many people on Broadway (and off-Broadway).

Lin wearing In The Heights shirt hahaha

“How you feel about the movie will depend on your affinity for musicals.” — Lin Manuel Miranda

The reason I keep recommending this to you is because of your affinity for musicals and I know you like them, but this is in no way intended for you to develop high expectations. I, of course, still do not know your exact preferences, that is why I am super super super curious about your thoughts on it when you happen to watch it. (I am aware you’re very busy right now though so take your time and only watch it when you have free time or in the mood for it, and then let me know what you think! On PM maybe?)

There’s a certain scene in the movie that I really don’t want to spoil for you so I’m just going to ask this question with no context. I’m curious about your creative process when you’re writing a song or even when you’re drawing. For example, when you wrote Rubber Boots, was it a series of different moments you experienced in real life that brought out the lyrics? Did they come to your head while you’re sitting down in front of your piano? Or were you doing something else? It must be really nice to have a chance to chat with you about the creative process behind your art and music someday. I also hope you get to share more of your self-composed music, your self-written lyrics, and your artworks to the world. I will always be here to support you as an artist.

Anyway, I am not really here to give you an extensive review on Tick, Tick… Boom! because, as much as I would love to do that, I don’t want to give spoilers to you, so I am reserving that for when you confirm‎ you have seen it already. (Again, no pressure at all. Please don’t feel obliged to see it, haha!)

But I do want to talk about something else that is still somehow related to it, but has something to do more with you.

Everyone always had a form of art or media, a person, or a moment in their life that ignited a spark within themselves, lighting up the road they’re meant to take.

For Jonathan Larson, it was the West Side Story creator, Stephen Sondheim, writing back to him when he sent a letter to the musical theatre icon during his college years, which sparked a lifelong mentor-mentee relationship.

For Lin Manuel Miranda, it was the very production of Tick, Tick.. Boom! since he saw it staged while he was in college, and the show convinced him that he should pursue his theatre dreams professionally.

For Adele, it was her English teacher when she was 12, who inspired her to start writing songs and changed her life.

For Elton John, it was the rock and roll records (Elvis Presley and such) that his mother, Sheila, would bring home for him, introducing him to rock music while letting him play the piano.

For me, it was a podcast. I had just dropped off my best friend at her house and she lived a bit far from me so I had to drive home alone, which was quite a long drive. I needed something to listen to. I only recently knew the group but someone suggested I listen to this podcast so I put it on to accompany me the entire drive. Then I hear the words, “Take inspiration from everything, and see what strikes your heart the most.” (No, I didn’t hit the brakes to process my epiphany hearing that, my life isn't a movie sadly, but it definitely changed the trajectory of my life. Or at least the perception I had in what I wanna do in life.)

For me, it was you. (Please don’t cringe, I know it’s cheesy!)

I have a lot of interests. I used to be that kid who couldn’t decide what she wanted to major in for college because she had so many interests. I was like a jack of all trades who didn’t want to stay with only one hobby, one department, one interest. My parents saw it as a waste of time. Everyone around me was pressuring me to choose something, to choose ONE thing. I never looked at me having interest in so many things as taking inspiration in order to get to know myself more and discover what would strike my heart the most. Not until I heard you put it that way.

From then on, you just continued to be my source of strength and inspiration. Not only you, of course, but one of the main sources. I already said this next part in our call, but yeah. I eventually got to know more about you and how creative you are and how you like art. I saw your art recommendations and thought of how I love to immerse myself in art as well like you do. I had so many artists and pieces in mind that I also wanted to share with you so I did, not expecting that it would make me fall in love with it.

I realized I don’t want to be just an artist. I want to keep doing what I have been sending to you these past few months, but on a larger scale. Professionally.

I want to take up Art Management.

It’s a very vague idea for now, I am still taking it slow, but yes. I believe my business degree would come in extremely handy in it as well, considering it’s management and I'm studying management.

Just thinking about it makes my heart race in the best way possible.

And I can’t believe this feeling would not exist right now, would not be realized, if I hadn’t known about you.

And then remember how you told me a phrase? Two times actually. You told me, “stay creative.” Those two words of encouragement can keep me going for two years, Kevin. That’s fuel for me. Like how Sondheim told Larson that his musical was first rate and had a future.

So, thank you. I always say those two words to you, but I mean it. Thank you.

Thank you for making all the decisions that have brought you to where you are now. Thank you for chasing your dreams, for making the brave choice of dropping out of college to pursue music. If you hadn’t, I am probably not the person I am today (again, cheesy, I know!) or I still would, but it would have taken longer because you wouldn’t be there to slap the truth in my face.

Really, thank you, Kevin. I know we don’t know each other, but I’m grateful for you.

To end this very long letter (Oops, I did it again.. I wrote another long ass letter. Sorry, Kevin), I’m going to leave you with this statement that really resonated with me, and with how this musical has left me feeling.

“Furthermore, Tick, Tick… Boom! sends tired artists and confused young adults an “I see you” message — a pat on their backs, pushing them to continue living in, through, and for art.” (Avestruz, 2021)

Your artsy best friend, Trish 💌

The diner Jonathan Larson worked at (irl and in the movie) is called Moondance. Huge significant part of his life. Reminded me of you because 🌙 hehe

[trisharie]

(no idea if you see comments as well) ALSO! I want to reiterate that it's not only me who gets inspiration from your creative self. I've seen so many deobis who have garnered the courage to pursue their dreams, especially creatives like me, because of you, Kevin. A lot of people are grateful for you 🤍🤍🤍 Thankchu bub! Have a great day okie 🤍