Note From The Editor // What A Year..

December 31, 2021

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What a year indeed.

Let me start by saying thank you. Whether you’re a new or longtime reader, thank you for reading, supporting, liking, sharing, and rocking with #artist2lookout4. I love the opportunity to introduce you (and sometimes re-introduce you) to artists + creatives based here + abroad.

It’s been my pleasure getting to better know the talented individuals I’ve featured on the platform─hearing their story and personal take on their craft, community, and journey to get to where they are today. The experience throughout has been inspiring and constantly reminds me why I started this interview series in the first place.

I think it’s safe to say that we’ve been through it the past couple of years.*cue nervous laughter*

Dealing with a global pandemic, a government more concerned with the bottom line than lives at risk, personal loss (on all accounts), heartache, anxiety, depression, etc., etc. If you made it this far, congratufuckinglations. Seriously, be proud. We’ve had a tough go, but we’re pushing through.

2021 fuckery aside though, this year did give us a chance to not only reconnect with our loved ones but also gave us time to really look inward and reconnect with ourselves. We’re all collectively tolerating zero bullshit, fighting more for our worth, and only accepting people and situations that are positive for our mental, physical, and emotional health.

I feel like we’ve grown in so many ways (some of us anyway). Personally speaking, I’ve faced so many of my own toxic traits, my demons head on. I’m healing past traumas and dealing with challenges in a more healthy way. It’s all about growth, okay?!

As creatives, it’s important for us to check in with ourselves. What’s the point of creating if it destroys the creator?

That said, with the craziness of this year (I’m sure you can relate), moving, and issues with my health, I was not able to get to as many interviews as I would have liked. But I am so grateful for the few artists I was able to shine a light on. Quick recap: we sat down with the brilliant Vek Neal, the euphoric Zaida, the gifted Mike Nasty, and the playful Solaariss. (PS if you haven’t read these interviews yet, you should.)

No two humans life journey is ever identical; and Artist To Look Out For is a reflection of that truth. However, I think we can all agree that learning lessons are universal. They don’t call it growing pains for no reason. Invited or not, if there’s something you need to change or focus on in your life, the universe will make sure to come knocking, sometimes bulldozing through your door. I hope the stories highlighted in this series helps you gain insight or motivate you to return to your creative calling.

I write all of this to say, continue being kind and patient with yourself, don’t beat yourself up when your body calls for rest, and enjoy time for yourself guilt-free. Remember, it doesn’t matter how hard you fall, you always have a choice to get back up even greater than before. This is your story, don’t let anyone else write it for you.

I wish you and yours many blessings into the new year. Take care of yourself.

With love,

Rahel Tekle

Founder + Editor-in-Chief

“Once you do away with the idea of people as fixed, static entities, then you see that people can change, and there is hope.”

─ bell hooks