Erika Barker
What's been going on in your world and circles lately?
I see a lot of panic and stress right now because of what’s happening in our government. When I get bad news, I’ve been trying to examine it through the lens of materialism, and talk to people I trust about how to understand it. Liberalism has very little response to fascism, but materialism understands and expects fascism. Instead of panicking, I’m aiming to take a deep breath, consider the motivations of our politicians, and remember who I stand in solidarity with, rather than direct my anger at my community.
In general, I’m trying to conserve my energy where I can. I’m taking care of myself in my time off work so that I can hold space for my community when I’m at work. I’m building systems at my cooperative coffee shop that will hopefully give it a long and healthy life as a place where labor organizers, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, immigrants, people of color, people with disabilities, and those without homes can feel safe and comfortable in Oklahoma. Taking care of myself looks like spending time with friends, getting outside, going to the gym, taking naps, and seeking out experiences that bring me pleasure.
I’m taking the next little while to rest and reflect before returning to my art practice, but then I’m hoping to play around with paper clay (a new medium for me!), sewing a new piece of clothing, and making some zines!
Other projects you see happening around that are cool?
Acid Lime, a fiber arts studio in Oklahoma City that offers alterations and custom sewing, has been organizing fiber arts crafting sessions under the name Club Sewklahoma since last fall. I’ve only been to one, but it’s a very cool thing to have happening locally. More sewing resources are popping up in our area all the time and it’s exciting! [Link: https://www.instagram.com/sewklahoma?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]
KT mentioned this as well, but I also love Practice Practice [Link: https://www.instagram.com/practice_practice_project?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==], a project by Dylan Cale Jones and Isa Rodriguez out of Oklahoma City. They’re a couple duo who make a podcast and newsletter about building a sustainable art practice. Their approach really inspires me, encouraging me to rethink my own relationship to creativity. Being creative can look like so many activities, not just making art! And being creative doesn’t need to be something that drains you and exhausts you, or takes up all your time so you can’t function as a normal human. I think this is honestly a revolutionary attitude in the art world, and Rodriguez and Cale Jones’ voices are desperately needed. Their book Practice Practice [Link: https://practicepractice.space/product/workbook/] is a great resource.
Future thing you are looking forward to?
Spring! Oh boy, I can’t wait for spring. Everything I’m looking forward to right now involves getting outside and seeing the world wake back up after the months of cold. Hoping for a camping trip in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in early April with friends, and the Native Plants Festival at STASH in April as well.
Favorite bands / albums lately?
I’ve been loving Samantha Crain’s music! I’ve known her as an acquaintance for years so it’s pretty embarrassing I’ve only just been digging into her discography now (sorry, Sam!), but I’m so glad I did. Besides her incredible voice, she’s a great lyricist, writing about the world with good humor and empathy. Her perspective also deeply resonates with me as an Oklahoman. I’m really looking forward to her new album, Gumshoe, out on May 2.
Check one of Samantha Crain’s latest music videos here!
Also, I second what KT said about our BIG BUG playlist! I’ve been loving listening to it to keep the BIG BUG vibes alive in my life. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0SBRsrDROurTrqjM5448Go?si=e862c2e3a3464341
KT and Erika currently have a collaborative design available for preorder on a light green t-shirt or a cream color boxy tank top. Proceeds raised from the preorder will be donated to Southern Equality! The preorder will be open until Wednesday, March 19th. Place your order here!
