For as long as I can remmeber

side-b is almost ready <3

a blue bin with square dividers organizes a shell collection

Dear reader,

I’m writing this letter in real-time today. It’s Sunday afternoon, and I’ve just finished eating lunch. I’m sipping iced tea and sitting on my screened-in porch. Forest is lying by my feet. It’s so sunny. And the air warm.

I haven’t had a chance to write my letter for morning delivery this week. Mostly because M and I both took off on Thursday and Friday. We took Forest to the beach, and I took a weekend trip to Philly. I try to write them as close to Sunday as possible to be in real-time and as honest and authentic as possible. So here I am, reflecting on my weekend, looking forward to next week, and typing this letter.

I went to Philly this weekend to visit friends from college. We all share a creative affinity. We ate, we shopped, we bought plants and stationery, we went through our collections, we made collages. I shot film. And I showed them my first complete zine.

I’ve always had an infatuation with concepts and ideas, how things are curated together, and the radical act of research for as long as I can remember. I love storytelling. Being immersed in imagination. And ideas.

I let them open the zine package and explore it as they wanted. I was a bit nervous because it’s truly not often I share my work in real life while sitting in the same room. Yet, it was so positively received, and after talking about the concept, I solidified this was the way forward. I wasn’t looking for validation. But talking about ideas with other people presents new perspectives. It brings ideas to fruition. Makes them tangible.

They graciously photographed my zine. And I cannot wait to share it with side-b supporters later this month. This is my final letter about side-b before I officially publish it. I think I’ve slowly walked towards this idea for some time now. And after being away and talking with those who have witnessed the formation of my creative career, they affirmed every single part of it.

Side-b is a project that celebrates enrichment for creative people. It’s an ever-evolving creative production that gathers threads of my process making stops at writing, playlists, inspiration, photography, projects, and zines. It seeks to enrich and inspire the beauty of process. I’ll open side-b next Monday, May 6, at a “pay what you want” pricing. And share the zine in the side-b shop at the end of May <3 You can read updates about the project here and view the Notion page here. I’ll email you all the details next Monday. I really hope to see you there.

Talk soon,

Lauren

xx

---

• Currently reading: I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette McCurdy

Listen to: the latest Viewfinder episode

If we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting—I’m Lauren Sauder, an artist, writer, and mentor. If you enjoyed this post, here are a few ways you can connect with me:

• Download the Artist Mixtape—a mix of books, playlists, and residencies to provide inspiration and company in the studio.

• Receive letters from me—bi-weekly letters from me about what I’m working through in my creative practice and life.

• Enlist me as your mentor—if you are interested in support and guidance to grow your creative practice.

• Get in touch with me directly—send an email to laurensauderstudio@gmail.com.