An Ode to Rest

I am tired.

The last few years of never-ending covid pandemic negotiations, crimes against humanity, and raising a baby/toddler have left me with a new appreciation - reverence, really - for rest and taking care of my needs before others’ needs. As many wise people (and self-help gurus) have said before, “you can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself.” In other words, if you’re a hot mess, it’s going to be pretty hard to do all the things you need to do. In 2020, I was depressed and anxious - a new mom trying to raise a baby and grapple with my new identity while working from home and isolating during the pandemic. In 2021, I was still anxious and so busy and stressed that I had new physical reactions to my high levels of stress. In 2022, I vowed to slow down and take better care of myself. And I did. I’m still tired and stressed, and covid keeps rearing its ugly head, but I have better ways of coping with it now, and I try to get enough sleep. It takes constant dedication and reminders that I owe myself care first. I care for and guide a toddler through this beautiful, fucked up world, but I only have the strength to give nourishment to my family once I have nourished myself. Being a parent requires a level of selflessness, but more importantly, it requires knowing one’s self and one’s needs well enough to set boundaries.

In addition to domestic and internal stresses, the outside world seems full of chaos - political polarization; war; misinformation campaigns; and laws designed to uphold white supremacy and endanger people by taking away basic human rights and dignity. I say “FUCK THAT” loud and clear. With every new law endangering parents, trans people, and Black people that I love, I feel the need to fight the system. So I take care of myself and rest up because the fight is long and grueling. I need to maintain strength and resilience to stay in the fight and not give up. 

Rest in AR

Rest (Bed) and Rest (Chair) are digital artworks available to view in AR as part of the FeministFuturist CURRENCY exhibit at Boston Cyberarts Gallery from September 9 - October 16, 2022.

I created these virtual monuments to Rest as a reminder to choose rest and care for myself as a way to support the many people and things I love. Both Rest works are visible in augmented reality (AR) using the Hoverlay app. These monuments are invisible but omni-present. The digital representation of me sleeping and resting defies the notion of “always on” and “always connected” that leads to burnout amongst middle class workers and working parents today (oh hey, fellow millennials!). 

Behind the scenes image from green screen video shoot for “Rest (Bed)”

Need a reminder to Rest?

View the AR artwork using Hoverlay* by clicking on the following links:

Rest (Bed) - view this indoors

Rest (Chair) - view this outdoors

In Rest (Chair), I am wearing a yellow t-shirt that says “It ain’t easy, but keep going”. This shirt was designed by artist Gabriel Sosa in 2020 as part of a larger billboard project titled “No es facil / It ain’t easy” in Boston. During the pandemic, I wore this shirt on days when I needed an extra boost to get through the day. I still wear it often.

*Hoverlay is an augmented reality app that allows artists to use AR to show virtual, digital artwork. You will need to download the Hoverlay app on your smart phone in order to see the work. Download Hoverlay for iPhone or for Android.