*New*

"I need to get away" - Acrylic on canvas. July 2026

I've had such a hard time finding inspiration in single subject pieces, you know, still life's or character work. Something I have found inspiring though is past memories. I started with my nostalgia series in pen and ink a while back but felt it was too immature for a professional setting, and my goal is to get to the gallery level. So I took that concept of memories and put it in paint instead.

So what's the story ?

Back in 2017/2018 I frequented a lot of parties with a close friend and while being devious was a lot of fun, I don't remember much of the party itself, I don't remember any of the people there and I didn't even do any of the drugs they were doing. What I do remember though, was one particular party where everyone wanted to do shr0*ms and watch the lights on the ceiling from the disco ball they had set up and being sober watching them is painfully awkward and embarrassing. So I made my escape into the bathroom after stealing a box of powdered donuts from the hosts kitchen and vibed for a while before my friend came in and she could not stop giggling at the fact I was just by myself eating donuts in there. We sat there for a while joking and laughing, and that memory stuck. That was my favorite party I had ever been to and I barely even partied.

It's not always the major significant moments that need capturing sometimes it really is just those little one off ones that shape you the most.

It's hot and I'm bored

I was on my way home from work the other night when I looked over to see the brightest pink sunset I've ever seen. I had to snap a picture and thankfully my phone cooperated picking up the true colors.

I've found it hard to finish my bathroom painting. I try to mix all the colors I need before I paint and unfortunately I didn't mix enough so I will have to find a way to match the colors. Intimidating, but not impossible.

Today would have been the perfect day to work on this piece but alas, it is 90 degrees and quite uncomfortable and so the creative drive is on pause yet another day.

However, while I've been doom scrolling on TikTok I've been checking in on some of my favorite content creators such as Connors House and Annie Penta both for their architectural choices and bold style. I love the way they've leaned into the original architectures design styling as many people who buy dated homes try to retrofit conflicting decor that looks awkward (beige moms united in this endeavor). I just love it.

• alex

Long Update

Life has been throwing one curveball after another. I haven't created much between writing or art, however this week has been inspiring and productive in comparison.

Some happenings:

• I updated the website, I think it looks a lot cleaner and a lot more professional.

• I'm reworking the store. I originally was using the built in "Print to Order" services but it would have cost everyone a lot more with lower quality to use, and so I'm researching some better options. Right now if there's anything you see listed in the gallery, I would be happy to privately take your order via email - alex@streetyouthstudio.com

• The chapter title banners for Anomie are in progress currently. Thanks to Art of Riley Smiley for taking on this project. I'm hoping I can get the cover photo done and maybe some illustration inserts.

• I have a new painting in the works! Hurray! I'm going to be working on my "Nostalgia" series in acrylic, and this is the first of that project (4th in the series) and I'm excited

• I'm working on creating didactics for all of my artwork, I feel it's going to be important in becoming a good and successful artist to know how to talk about your projects.

I'm hoping to create more outside of writing the book to make sure the creative juices keep flowing. I have conceptualized some new changes for the book, however implementation hasn't happened yet. We're getting there though!!

Gotta remind myself, depression can't catch me if I keep moving.

- Street Youth 👽