scraps
At the end of 2025, I attended IMAGES CONSUME ME - a meme scrapbooking/collage workshop hosted by @joan.of.arca and @everyoneisagirl at Performance Space New York. The workshop traced the origins of contemporary meme making to Victorian scrapbooking as two shareable modes of forging identity through curated aesthetics and tastes.
an example of early scrapbooking noted in the workshop (two-page spread from an anonymous scrapbook, 1820–30, #174, Harry Page Collection, Special Collections, Manchester Metropolitan University. via Scrapbooks and Women’s Leisure Reading Practices, 1825–60 by Alexis Easley)
The dual function of scrapbooking as both hobby and analog Pinterest board was illuminating when compared to contemporary meme making - the evolution of ways women have used their tastes to signal identity and substantiate their value.
Although the medium has changed, the message remains - we have always self-identified with outside sources to project a curated image to the world. Scrapbooking turned into moodboards, niche aesthetics, and references on references. I love a niche reference and curation, but sometimes, it can feel like the projection of these hyper-aware aesthetics is always unattainable and slightly ridiculous; an often miserable yet aspirational, diluted version of who we wish we really were.
slide from the workshop
Luckily, memes like this are funny and relatable and self aware and their ridiculousness is easy to identify. We made our own meme scrapbook collages to conclude the workshop. Here is mine:
REALLY my biggest conclusion from the workshop is that I am craving more in-person, interactive, dynamic activities that make me think. It’s not groundbreaking or productive to mention how everything is soooo online and digital and AI and chaotic right now but like seriously… can’t a girl just craft with strangers on a weekday (even if the content of the craft is internet based, at least we’re together right…)
That’s basically the goal for 2026. A busy calendar filled with activities and people. Always learning and finding inspiration everywhere, lots of thinking and creation, way more reading and art-seeing. Although these things haven’t changed from last year’s goals, my biggest emphasis will be on momentum. Pushing towards my ❤️ best life ❤️ everyday, whether that be creative projects, collaborations, health, or the Prada bag I’m saving for. My vision board for 2026 has colors in it if that says anything about the mental direction I’m moving in.
I met Jerry Saltz last March at the Outsider Art Fair. We chatted briefly about undergrad and teachers. He asked me if I have a lot of friends that I party and stay out late with, and after making sure I did, he walked away. I like to think I am right on track.
