Little Worlds
On growing up, common spaces & creativity (plus a mini art walk)
I’ve been spending a lot of time in all of the spaces I enjoyed as a kid, and it has me reminiscing on memories from back then. One thing that has been consistent through the years is that I’ve always wanted to create. I miss the imagination I used to have. I never really gave much consideration to adult things like bills and health, and I spent the majority of my time experimenting and daydreaming up the life I wanted in the future.
I spent time writing songs, and I loved using online keyboards and mixers to bring them to life (I really wish I could remember the name of the website I used… I believe it had something to do with a girl band). At the time, I never left the house without a journal (and this still stands most of the time… though I must admit I write a lot in my notes app now). I knew then what I know now: inspiration comes at the most random times, and I had to be prepared to scribble it down. I loved how into it I would get. Hours would be lost, and someone would normally have to drag me away from the computer. Sometimes I think the accessibility of a laptop hinders my ability to truly get lost in my own digital world.
The best part happened when I wrapped up a song. I would gather up my family and friends and perform the new work. Anyone who would listen was welcome. I’ll admit, I wasn’t the best singer and my guitar skills were a bit rocky, but I love how much confidence I had without having to try. It was just there, naturally, waiting for me to tap into it.
I know it’s still there, but the awareness I have now—from experience and self-doubt—creeps in and clouds that brute confidence I once had. I’d love to get some advice from the younger me. The one who was constantly ready and willing to put herself out there regardless of the feedback, and who spent every second of boredom daydreaming.
The one who put herself first and stood true to who she was. It’s still me, and I still have that self-confidence that shines through in certain circumstances. But I want to take bigger chances on myself and trust that I’ll carry myself through it. No matter the risk.
Something about childhood ignorance paired with an unexpected awareness creates another little world just for you. I wasn’t perfectly tuned in to the happenings all around me, but I created little worlds to play in based on what I thought was happening.
Sometimes I wish I could recreate those days… get engulfed in my own little world and spend some time there for a while. A little reprieve from current events.
Ah, maybe it’s time to crack open another book (or write my own). Does anyone else have a list of things they’d love to do at some point but never make the time for?
I sure do.
All this to say, things have been feeling extra heavy, and it has me yearning for happier times. At least times that felt happier for me.
MY PLEA FOR COMMON SPACES
With spring right around the corner, I’ve been really leaning into the outdoors. I’m in a bit of limbo, living in my childhood town, and spending time by the beach has been therapeutic. But I gotta say, not living close to larger art galleries and random things to peruse has been more difficult than expected.
Something I definitely took for granted in the last few places I’ve lived was having great art galleries nearby. Architecture tours and historic houses also landed high on my list.
The few that I have found are more workspace-based and not “spend a rainy afternoon browsing”… which isn’t really my vibe tbh. I want to go in unnoticed and take my time, then leave without a trace.
We need more common spaces that aren’t bars or trying to sell you things… I just want to explore, dang it.
One large thing I’m very much looking forward to with moving to New Orleans is becoming a member / frequent visitor of both New Orleans Museum of Art and Ogden Museum of Southern Art… so good and so excited! Even just walking down the streets there and admiring the architecture sparks something in me. And that’s on changing your environment.
In the meantime, if you’re familiar with the Destin / 30A area and have recommendations for me to check out… please send! I grew up here but hey, even locals miss things.
STEP INTO THE GALLERY
While I can’t physically visit any great galleries at present, here are a few pieces that have been on my mind recently.
Making me want to dive back into art history class notes from college…
You’ll notice some beach-y spring elements throughout the gallery above… and I love it. I hope you enjoyed this little pause.
If you’re also in need of a digital field trip, I highly recommend spending some time going through Museum of Modern Art’s archive collection. A great way to get lost, like I mentioned earlier.
Now I’m gonna go back to spending some time with sand between my toes.
Until next time,
Bailey x
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And if you’d like to work together on a creative project in 2026, feel free to email me at bailey@staticcatstudio.com