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We're focusing on gifts for body & person this week. Yesterday, we shared all our favorite clothing items but today we're scaling down to focus on a smaller fashion element: jewellery. Not just any jewellery, however. This jewellery gift list is all about pieces that are, in and of themselves, sculptural works of art; pieces that transform you into a walking gallery, showcasing phenomenal art and—by extension—an undeniable eye for style. These masterful pieces provide your gift recipients with the opportunity to adorn themselves with beauty and that alone is a gift to be cherished this holiday season. We start off with the Norther White Faced Owl Brooch from woman-owned brand Trovelore, available at Tom Foolery London. This fully embroidered owl is an exemplary exploration of texture. Whisps of staggered, silvery thread evoke the plushness of downy feathers while tight, saturated orange surrounds two glistening black orb beads, eliciting the glow of nocturnal irises. A collection of glass beads, varying in size and shape, are seeded thoughtful the threads to create a symphonic compilation of texture. This glorious raptor holds all the gravity of night and will certainly bless any recipient with wisdom and unquestionable style. Moody Arts out of the Netherlands follows suit with a similarly crepuscular work that will transform any wearer into a seductively botanical gallery with all the mysticism of a chilled, dense woodland. The shelf fungi pin series features sets of sculpted mushrooms that, when worn, seem to pullulate from the garments they cling to. We love the suppleness of their organicism against a rigid black suit or a blank white dress, backdrops that demand but don't challenge the statement of these pins. The pins themselves are profoundly aesthetic and display the inconspicuous gestures of excellent craftsmanship. Each set of five forms a perfectly sized collection so your loved ones can effortlessly decorate themselves without concern for looking like an overgrown Vin Diesel at the Infinity Wars Premiere (although we can't say we disapprove of that look!). There's just something about wearing shelves of mushrooms that enliven our veins with mycelic energy, a sensation we're eager to share with those on our holiday gift lists. Lorenzo Pepe is the brilliant creative mind behind our next pick: the Posidonia Anillo Flor ring. Six large silver petals emerge from, and open atop, the simplistic band of the ring as though they are blossoming from a delicate sepal. The gentle undulating curves of each petal capture light and cast soft shadows and reflections that dance across the surface neighboring petalled silver. Pepe has masterfully applied the luminescence and soft femininity of flowers to the stolid, occasionally benumbed, medium that is silver. The Flor ring is nothing short of magnificent and it will unfailingly elevate and accentuate any wardrobe. We turn now to Paris to find Tzuri Gueta and this incredible red Jungle brooch. Created by allowing red silicone to extrude through tight netted, web forms of viscose, the brooch is a highly visceral piece that is full of intriguing texture and fascinating crevices. While the artist writes that the brooch is reminiscent of the structures of aquatic coral, we find the brooch—particularly in this luscious red colour—to recall the image of an anatomical heart. Rather than outstretched tendrilic fingers of coral columns, the forms of the brooch, to us, are arterial, which is all too appropriate for a breasted brooch. Not for the faint of hear (pun very much intended), this striking piece will be the show stopper of any outfit. While Tzuri Gueta fills its mesh forms, Popova Ksenya leaves the mesh open, enabling the hollow arrangements to cast a smoky, ghostly shadow of wings. Various lengths of mesh tubes align like feathers and denote the lightness and aetheriality of flight. Available in a variety of styles, this avant-garde statement necklace offers the wearers a silken reminder of travel through the sky. In the words of designer Sara Chyan, "life is too short for boring jewellery"(1). With this sentiment in mind, Chyan's one-of-a-kind blue crystallized bismuth choker is a welcomed addition to any intrepid life. Prismatic facets, submerged within an iridescent blue wave, coil up a sterling silver band to form a galactic necklace that is out of this world. The organic minerality of the bismuth stands proud and is perpetually illuminated by the element's own ever-shifting colour. The result is an absolutely heavenly piece of sculpture. When we think art, Egon Schiele arrives prominently at the forefront of our minds. Artist Derya Çiçekçiler offers this incredible Hands brooch that captures all the mangled and tortured contours we love in Schiele's iconic painted hands in a wearable form. While reminiscent of Schiele, the piece is a work of art all its own. We love that Çiçekçiler translated the likeness of abstracted hands to the smooth flat silver surface, a minimalist medium that allows the winding lines of the shapes to entwine without any compromisation from texture or colour. The simplistic nature of the design emphasizes the mastery behind ever artistic choice that went into the creation of this excellent piece. Blown glass is a medium uniquely appropriate for sculptural jewellery. Lightweight and delicate, glass can be manipulated into spectacular forms without compromising wearability with added weight. Artist Agustina Ros offers blown glass pieces that epitomize the playful fluidity of glass and the sensationalism of sculptural jewellery. We are blown away—another pun, we're just on a roll!—by Ros's Outside brooch constructed of borosilicate glass and gold plated silver and her pink ring featuring a corporeally creased, blown bubble, fumed with gold for an iridescence that reflects the golden metallic shine of the band. We find these pieces duly suitable for galleries and wardrobes alike. If the delicacy of Ros's pieces doesn't align to the aesthetic of your gift recipient, try the Brincos VII by Brazilian artist Virgilio Bahde. Glowing embers of citrine set within rigid, dark ionized shards offer an agonizingly beautiful and contemporary interpretation of gemstone jewellery. Bahde's earrings are a deliciously vicious presentation of minerals, imparting a brutal severity and devastating chicness that are sure to wow any lucky recipient. Capturing the luminosity of Ros's glass and the drama and dark brutalism of Bahde's earrings, Evangelina Dimitriou offers two Water Rings that showcase magnificent blocks of chipped clear acrylic material set atop a minimalist metal 't' beam that serves as the ring base. One simply sets their fingers along the bar to reap the unparalleled reward that is the icy slag. The sheer aesthetic, industrial minimalism of the unlabored design is almost too striking to put into words. In addition to its form, the material's clear neutrality allows the pieces to effortlessly accent any outfit making them ideal gift choices. When it comes to minimalist industrialism, the Surgical Steel Cage Brooches from Eleanor Whitworth are in a league of their own. Three dimensional interpretations of sketched cubes, the brooches feature slightly distorted and illustrated forms constructed of stern and rigid surgical steel. A stunning marriage of innocently gestured design and the juxtaposing criticalness of steel, each cage frames a void of negative space above one's hearts that can serve as a gentle reminder to remain open and live with a love free from the confines of any box. The nylon cube brooch by Floor Mommersteeg, on the other hand, is a box we'd love to live in. Reminding us of the Accessions of Eva Hessa and Sol LeWitt's modular cubes, the brooch boasts a gradient grid that physically and aesthetically stands out. We love the subtle transparency of the material which offers a necessary lightness against the caged form. Mommersteeg manages to construct a piece that inserts itself into the space between two people without obstructionism or intimidation. It's a brooch that occupies space with demureness, fragility, and grace, offering beauty without demanding attention. Rounding out our list is the Parmelia brooch by Kate Bajic. Handmade from assayed sterling silver and detailed with 18ct gold, the brooch is an unfathomably stunning piece inspired by the organic ruffles of lichens. The undulating borders of hammered silver plates overlap one another to form an assemblage of texture that is simultaneously organic and refined. We are smitten with the broadness of the pin's silhouette, as it allows the curves of the surface cratering and lobate edges ample space to perform. In spring, the brooch is a floral flourish and, in winter, an abstract, kaleidoscopic silver snowflake making it an outstandingly versatile accessory and an ideal holiday gift. In the same way larger installation sculptures can be formed from a seemingly endless range of materials, wearable artworks are as diverse as the artistic minds that create them. Too often we find that people bind themselves to the association of jewellery with metalsmithing and luxury with arrangements of gold and diamonds. While metal jewellery holds a deservedly prominent place in the world of artistic jewellery and gold and diamonds are undeniably opulent, the mediums and designs of exceptional jewellery are infinite. More often than not—our favorite pieces are those that don't conform to the standard gold metalwork jewellery model as these pieces, free from the constricting grasp of expectation, can capture sculptural forms that otherwise only seen in galleries. The list of jewellery pieces we've shared barely skims the surface of what contemporary artists are offering, but we hope the evident diversity of materials, styles, and textures inspires you to explore this vast sculptural world as you compile your holiday gifts! Later on, our journey through the 2021 Holiday Gift Guide will circle back to jewellery, so stay tuned for more of our selections if you are searching for more simplistic styles! HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE DAY 3 DAY 1

Happy Day One of the 2021 Holiday Gift Guide! We've been scouring the world all year to compile this year's list and we can't wait to share everything we collected. In the wake of the pandemic, we prioritized gifts capable of bringing a bit of magic and exploration to your lives without demanding travel or public contact. With that introduction, let's get under way by diving into the Day One gift category: clothing! We know what you're thinking, "Clothing? Isn't that a bit cliche?", "My grandmother gave me socks every year for Christmas, I'm not sure that's the vibe I'm aiming for with my gift-giving". We—and our sock-filled drawers— hear you! But clothing can make a transformational impact on the lives of our loved ones. A phenomenal jacket or a devastatingly chic dress is uniquely suited to bestow style, confidence, and glorious every-day reminders of our love upon our gift recipients. As we've said before, we don't believe garments are inherently gendered, but this list does includes pieces that are both "feminine" and "masculine" and, as there are plenty of items on this list, you are sure to fine something for everyone in your life. Without further delay, here are the fashionable wears we plan on gifting this holiday season. Given our deeply tropical Miami roots, we are nourished by vibrant colour and bold patterns. Whether your gift recipient lives in a climate that mirrors this brightness, or in one with a bit less vivaciousness that prompts them to seek external colour satisfaction, offer your loved ones a taste of the tropics with mood elevating clothing pieces. Few items elevate mood like the Collins Ave Maxi dress from Meow And Barks Boutique. An unapologetically bold print of saturated ruby, bubblegum fuchsia and rich black flourishes pirouettes across this floor length dress. A playful tie at the waist, a button closure drawn along the front of the skirt and a stiff lapel collar offer ample design details that balance the complexities of the print and contribute to a dress that is undeniably eye-catching. Another eye-catching tropical dress, the Awe Ben Kimono in Ananas Yellow, comes to us from Senegalese brand Diarrablu. The one size fits all nature of this relaxed wrap dress, combined with the high-contrast, illustrative black and white pineapple jacquard, and vivid bands of accenting orange, makes this piece an easy gift choice that will leave everyone on your list happy. Solidifying its gift-worthiness, the Awe Ben dress can also be worn as a kimono or as a rob. We cherish the opportunity for fashion individualization offered by this versatile garment and we're certain the people on your gift list will too! Featuring a luscious jackfruit print and effortlessly flattering silhouette, the Nala Dress by Argentinian designer Daniella Batlle will spotlight your natural radiance and shower you with the effervescent lightness of summer. The print is large enough that it becomes almost abstracted by the drapes of the fluid fabric, and the subtle detailing along the waist and sleeves offers an added whisper of femininity without challenging the command of the print. The cinched-waist and billowing sleeves and hemline ensure the dress will flatter every body shape so you can readily gift this beautiful garment with the comforting knowledge that your loved ones will look their best in it. Cara Cara similarly channels the natural energy of the tropics but in a slightly more mutated palette with their stunning Piper collection. We especially adore the Piper top with its simplistic turtleneck design. The minimalistic form provides a broad uninterrupted canvas for the Peruvian modal featuring sprawling botanicals, delicate white flowers, and scatterings of quiet birds on a warm backdrop of ginger jersey. Perfect for the chilly weather much of the world experiences during the holiday season, the top imparts the flowering dendritic breath of the tropics while retaining the winter dress appropriateness one expects from a long sleeved turtleneck. It's an exceptional piece. When winter weather isn't a necessary consideration, the Etro Brown Diamond Strapless Dress from Australian brand Dissh is a clothing pick that will not disappoint. Velvety cocoa brown entwines with luminous white to form an almost dizzying geometric pattern that spans the entirety of this floor-length dress. A straight, strapless neckline presents a welcomed frame of décolleté, allowing the print to shine without overwhelming the face of the wearer. The fitted cut of the bust defines the sophisticated shape of the garment while a straight, sheath skirt, cascading from right below the bust line, ensures that comfort remains uncompromised, which is an absolute must when considering a clothing piece as a gift! If you're eager for pattern but looking for a bit more colour than that in the Etro dress, we want to introduce you to the Dana Dress offered by Canadian brand Kaela Kay. Described by the brand, the dress, "set in a beautiful green hue and glorious metical embellished details, ...will have you positively shining. The patterns are perfectly and intentionally placed. Get ready to dazzle and stand out from the crowd"(1). We love the uniqueness alchemized by the pairing of the bold pattern with the classic and universally flattering silhouette. A member of our team swooned over the verdant abstracted pattern, describing it as " tropical peacocks in tall grasses" but however you interpret the design, it's absolutely beautiful. Jumping across the pond to Paris, we find Plume's luxurious bronze jacquard Neptune. A broad shawl lapel and belt tie convey the subtly sultriness and moody authority of a traditional smoking jacket. Platinum hue-ed highlights are contrasted by metallic blacks that form along the lines of the jacquard pattern, creating a dramatically dimensional coat that remains unquestionably wearable. With this jacket on, we are transported to the brisk autumn streets of Paris, emboldened by its luxurious chicness we find an elegance, power, and unfazed, unapologetic confidence that can be liked only to Caroline de Maigret and Aymeline Valade. An equally elegant piece is the smashingly minimalist, Rib dress from Dutch brand, Vanilia. The timeless neutrality of the offered black and oat colours, combined with elbow-length sleeves and band collar, imparts a implication of modesty that is subtly—but assuredly playfully— contrasted by patch pockets and a short hemline. This inconspicuous dichotomy establishes a defining equivocalness that guarantees the dress is appropriate in any situation. The supple, sustainable, signature 'Rib' fabric is made from responsibly obtained wood pulp and features a linear diagonal ribbed texture that provides a high-quality weightiness to the dress while highlighting the modern playful notes of the design with the unexpected diagonally of the weave. It's a powerful and evolved black dress that is an absolute staple. Another powerful, must-have staple is the Flyette Double Breasted Coat from Malene Birger. The long houndstooth coat forms a structured, menswear silhouette and frames the face of the wearer with a contrasting black wool lapel and a constellating trail of raven black buttons. When paired with the coordinating blazer and pants, the coat creates an awe-inspiring suit. When topping off another outfit, the coat shrouds the wearer in palpable sophistication. Should your gift recipient crave a less formal coat, look no further than the Danish Dina Trenchcoat by Hosbjerg. A noteworthy crinkled fabric is formed into a relaxed trench with Raglan sleeves and double storm flaps for a decidedly contemporary interpretation of a classic silhouette. Epaulettes and sleeve straps, in combination with a sprinkling of traditionally placed, and equally orange buttons, offer structure to an otherwise fluid shape. The Dina trench is, in our opinion, the ideal hybrid of contemporary boldness and timeless form. Few brands produce contemporary, timeless jackets like Arket. Designing within the H&M house, Arket is deliciously modern and decidedly chic with a price point that won't make you recoil. This year we have our eye on two light-weight, swoon-worthy, off-white jackets with unisex designs that align with any aesthetic. The Brushed Terry Overshirt is our favorite design to emerge with the current overshirt fashion trend. The minimalist button-down design features crisp cuffs and lapels and a single patch style breast pocket. These accents—all of which are strongly defined due to the substantiveness of the material— impart a quality and intentionality the look of of an otherwise subdued jacket. Buttoned closure along the front is mirrored by trios of buttons offered at the back of each sleeve, resulting in moments of smooth texture to punctuate the otherwise terry-clothed surface that you won't be able to resist touching. For a bit less texture, look no further than the Hooded Pop-Over Jacket. A water-repellant treated, organic plain weave creates an incontestably sleek light gray finish that's down right luminous. Ruching over elastic cuffs provides just enough folds to catch light without compromising the slickness of the face of the jacket. Two silver-capped cord pulls emerge from silver grommet framed holes at the collar, framing a quarter-length silver zipper. These small but thoughtful sparkles of metal add moments of reflectiveness and highlight the luminosity of the jacket itself all the while preserving the minimalism of the colour palette. The zipper leads to a broad envelope pocket, situated high at mid-chest, for an unexpected but appropriately modern geometric plaque. Of the jackets on our list, this is the one that the members of our team have gifted the most, and for good reason! If seeking sleekness, the Cape Blouse from Cihuah in Mexico City will leave you weak at the knees. This versatile top can be worn forwards or backwards, though we favor the orientation where the deep v lays on the back. With this orientation, the front of the top begins with a long boat neckline that continues off the shoulder to strong angular corners. This neckline allows for a stunningly smooth décolleté that exudes sensuality without a whisper of exposed skin. The neckline fabric drapes over the bust line, forming a straight floating band that intersects the sleeves. Together, the band and sleeves create square of negative space that reveals the lines of the torso, which remains covered by the base structure of the shirt, a simple sheath blouse. The real magic of this piece is the sleeves. When the fabric from the bust reaches the sharp shoulder corners produced by the neckline, the three quarter length sleeves immediately drop, emerging as strong vertical lines of fabric. The sleeve fabric tightly follows the angular corner of the shoulder and continues toward the back body, wrapping around the arms and across the shoulder blades before ending abruptly. The top corners from each rectangular sleeve are paired at the center point of the back to form a deep exhibiting 'v' of exposed body at the top of the back and a broad open vent at the bottom, parted to reveal the underlying base structure of the shirt. The design captures seemingly endless moments of smoothed, sensual surfaces that allude to, and accentuate the body within without relying on fitted silhouettes or exposition. The result is an elegant, shapely, and truly sculptural top capable of transforming any wearer into an architectural masterpiece. While the Cape Blouse employs design techniques to evoke artful sculpturalism, creative director Lasha Mdinaradze of Ukrainian brand Gudu utilizes the implicit structure of leather in the Venus Midi Dress to create a garment that captures the sensuality of form with undeniable gravity. With masterful artistry and viscous subtly, the piece invites an exploration of intensifying bondage while remaining appropriate day to day fashion. A buckled turtleneck initiates the dress and the exploration, demonstrating the most explicit stage of bondage with a collar-like belted strap set around the neck. At the next stage, the torso, the restriction is lifted slightly but the structure of restraint remains. The supple golden leather is gloriously fitted, almost carved, to form a second-skin-like shell that encases the bust of the wearer. At the waist, the wearer is released from all constraint as the leather emerges from its previous binds and is permitted to flow freely, circling the lower body. While this dress may not be an appropriate gift for everyone in your life, for the right recipient this dress is a once in a lifetime treasure. The handcrafted Kyrgyz Felted Tunic Dress from Seven Sisters of Kyrgyzstan is a phenomenal piece that is incontrovertibly worthy of a gallery and is free of any suggestion of bondage. Constructed from ethereal silk and felt, the dress blankets the wearer in a striking black and white tiling of three dimensional print. Effortlessly draped atop a fitted slip, the dress forms a shadowy aura that floats above the body. A pattern of scattered Kyrgyz totems, one that has, for centuries, decorated yurts scattered across the Kyrgyz landscape, offers adoration to the thin cloud of cloth. Described by Ibu Movement, which sells the dress, "ancient Kyrgyz totems...now float mystically on a lightweight sheer silk background" (2). Could anything sound more enticing? As the dress is available in s/m and m/l and boasts a free fluidity and structureless form, you can be confident that any recipient can comfortably wear the dress without worry of an improper fit. Following in high-contrast footsteps of the previous dress, the Masiki Maxi Cape Dress from Sika'a is a stunning presentation of contrast, pattern, and form. Sika'a—which mean's "God's will" in Bamileke, the language of founder John Tchoudi's home of West Cameroon—offers contemporary collections that never disappoint. But the Masiki dress is a triumphant design that in our minds will forever be Tchoudi's defining work. Made of 100% African cotton, billowing cape sleeves and a tailored floor length silhouette serve as the canvas for a blackened navy and luminous, pearly white geometric print that symmetrically defines the dress. Large abstracted shells are incorporated into the pattern and offer moments of visual respite from the hum of the background geometry while their delicate pointillist trim adds a softening roundness to balance the angles of the underlying shapely print. This dress is a love letter to balance. Billowing sleeves balance an otherwise fitted form, roundness balances angularity, solidity balances noise, dark balances light. The elements comes together flawlessly to form an intoxicating dress. If the Sika'a dress feels too formal for those you're shopping for, then this timelessly soft dress from Sarah Divine Garba, the Cameroonian designer behind the brand Maison D'Afie, may be perfect fit. A square neckline frames the face and rests along the top of a fitted bust that holds the cascade of fabric of the floor length skirt. The plummed burgundy silk fabric is ornamented with a stunning jacquard print that, from afar, creates a scattering of shimmering gold hexagons interspaced with oxblood squares while, up close, produce a deeply nuanced pattern that captures the attention of anyone lucky enough to steal a glance. The comfortability of the relaxed silhouette combined with the sultry luxuriousness of the silk fabric solidifies our belief that this crowd-pleasing dress is ideal for everyone. If you're eager to find an even more casual option, Irawo Studio offers the made-to-order Moremi Jumpsuit that boasts a rich warm colour palette and a fun, playful silhouette. Made in Lagos, Nigera, the garment is a glorious collage of patterns, all featuring the same umber and spiced honey hues. Triangles and cross shapes are formed in negative spaces between midnight black blocks. The geometry travels the length of the jumpsuit, changing scale and shape between each leg and the body. The collarless split neckline lets the print shine while flattering the shape of the body and ties at the ends of the elbow-length sleeves impart levity and liveliness to the structure of the design. Breeze wide-legs and a cinched waist make this jumpsuit an amazing choice for any body, and—by extension—any person on your list! This body-flattering universality can also be achieved with the Barke African Print kimono from Tufafii which features a luxuriously relaxed shape that will flatter absolutely everyone. A graphic gridded, plaid African print is detailed but geometrically simplistic and reminds us of men's windowpane dress shirts in the very best way. A wide banded black trim traces the entire perimeter of the kimono, from the sleeves to the belt, and underscores the elegance and power of this impressive piece. However one chooses to wear it, this kimono is versatile and crushingly chic. While we're focusing on uni-size clothing, we want to highlight the emerald Diliman dress from souk + SEPIA. The empire silhouette of the dress is about the only thing traditional about this design. A micro-pleated, chiffon style fabric, tailored by a wide coordinating belt and adjustable pulls at the ruched neckline, provides an elasticity that ensures every body will be comfortable in this dress. A bouquet of twirls constructed along the hem, neckline, and across three tiers at each side of the skirt, add an element of whimsy and dynamic flourish to an otherwise simplistic dress confirming that versatility does not negate style. Our next two clothing picks can be placed in the same velvet lined category as the previous jewel-toned dress. Let's start with the Azul Satin Mono Breast Jacket from Giuliette Brown. We love every single item we have from Giuliette Brown (especially a tiger-printed silk and wine-coloured velvet wrap dress we have from a previous collection) but we almost fell out of our chairs when we spotted this incredible blazer. Metallic teal silk forms the majority of the blazer and a modified peak lapel, trimmed in black, imparts formality and gravitas and leaves us feeling shiveringly chillingly suave. If someone on your list has the fashion command to rock a piece like this, we highly suggest you make this your gift choice! Next we take a trip to Lebanon for some similarly jewel-toned Belgian linen. From Orient 499, the Philippe Blue Linen Shirt is a heart stopper. With "an easy-going, relaxed feel that's accentuated by the mandarin collar and a slightly loose cut", this shirt has a classic form that makes it an easy gift choice (3). But what sets this shirt apart from the rest is the unexpected shimmering quality. The dynamic texture of the linen, with subtle natural variations in hues from deep oceanic navy to luminous aquas, implies a sense of luster without any actual metallic material. Furthering this sense of reflectivity, the nine delicate mother of pearl buttons contrast the succulence of the shirt colour and prismatically capture any ambient light. The Philippe shirt is a simplistic design with a striking impact and we adore it. Much like the shimmering optical illusion of the Philippe Shirt, the print of the ottod'Ame viscose dress appears deeply dimensional despite its two dimensionality. Tiny, rudimentary flowers and leaves are presented as a swarm of irregular dots and dashes that dance across the surface of the dress. Variations in density and brief lines of negative space create the illusion that the print is something entirely not floral. Perhaps it's an abstracted animal print? Maybe a fully beaded overlay? Regardless of what it appears to be, the ambiguity of the print is deeply alluring and we can't stop ourselves from leaning in a bit closer to steal a better look. We would love nothing more than to be gifted this dress, especially as its easy sheath shape makes it an ideal everyday dress. As you begin dressing your homes with festive holiday decorations, appreciate the transformative power of wears and consider sharing this power with your loved ones by gifting one of these gorgeous garments! HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE DAY 2

American Sign Language (ASL) has earned a celebrated place in popular culture in recent years. Advertisements now regularly feature Deaf actors conversing in ASL; from signing about a love of hash browns for McDonald's and signing between shots while representing Facebook's DeafHoops group to sharing signed personal stories of family and career in commercials for Apple and Google, Deaf people communicating using ASL are actively, and prominently, featured in mainstream media content. Beyond this promotion of the Deaf community and language, ASL interpreting has, in its own right, entered the viral sphere of the hearing community. With epic signed performances of the National Anthem at Super Bowls by Wawa Snipes and Christine Sun Kim to the fraudulent interpreting at the memorial for Nelson Mandela catching the attention of the general public, conversation about and a sincere appreciation for ASL and interpreting are deservedly commonplace in popular culture. As several ARCANISA team members are fluent in ASL, this is a topic extremely close to our hearts. ASL is a sensational visual demonstration of language and a truly expressive form of communication as it utilizes space, movement, physical gesturing, and non-manual expressions to conjure meaning. As such, ASL has the power to capture and embody creative works like poetry and music with an honest ease and compelling completeness that is unique to visual language. Watching a signed poetry or musical performance is a palpably moving, awe-inspiring experience, even if you aren't fluent in the language! There is no shortage of artists online sharing recorded ASL performances, but today we want to feature Tiffany Hill. This tri-lingual beauty and Washington, DC native epitomizes outstanding interpreting. Embracing the music, Hill's facial expressions and body movements substantiate and relay the melody and communicate to Deaf audiences the experiential identity of the tracks. Moreover, her translation of the lyrics from English to ASL is refreshingly aligned with the narrative nature of the featured musical tracks. Hill has a distinctive and entrancing signed voice. Sometimes straying far from the exact lyrics, she, with great success, unveils the deeper truth and emotion that narrate the words of the songs she interprets using intentionally aesthetic language. Her performances surpass the superficiality of the words and instead offer a more profound experiential demonstration of music, all the while thoughtfully preserving the integrity of the chosen songs. Hill somehow manages to evoke the message and energy of music while simultaneously creating entirely unique visual works of art. Rather than falling into the all-to-common trap on the internet of signing close to the exact English lyrics, Hill interprets to ASL and signs the story of songs, which results in performances that are accurate, expressive, and visually striking. We recognize that this is, ultimately, the role of ASL interpreters. ASL is a language in itself—not signed English— therefore the ability to convey complex ideas, rather than translate individual words, is critical to successful interpreting. Not surprisingly and rather unfortunately, this ability is highly varied among interpreters, especially among those who are venerated on the internet by people unfamiliar with ASL. While there is an element of subjectivity in determining how to best understand and relay a message, there are some people who are simply gifted in the artistry that is required for successful interpreting, especially when it comes to interpreting creative works like lyrical arrangements. In this sense, Hill is nothing short of incredible. Hill's ability to capture and honor the integrity of the original tracks, with such grace and unguarded evocativeness, while effortlessly creating a boldly authentic ASL visual masterpiece is nothing short of remarkable. "With 19 years of interpreting experience and 15 years as a Nationally Certified Interpreter", Hill has amassed a wealth of signing knowledge that is unquestionably evident in her impeccable performances (1). Hill's spectacularity can be appreciated even without a background in ASL. When watching the videos included here, notice the difference between the rhythm of Hill's signs and that of the spoken/sung words. Focus on the movement of her body, the depth of her expressions, and the power and vulnerability she exudes through her unwavering commitment to, and embodiment of, the emotional story of the tracks. After watching one of Hill's videos, one non-signing member of our team noted, "I am always astounded by the uniqueness of watching ASL overlaid on known song lyrics. It's like an interpretive dance performed to a celebrated, classic song. It stops your heart cold in the most intoxicating way. But that makes sense, doesn't it? Beauty transcends language." Beyond her musical sharings, Hill also posts videos offering tips and musings on interpreting and documenting her travels (narrated in ASL). Additionally, she uploads videos in which she addresses issues of diversity, cultural appropriation, and cultural awareness in the field of interpreting. She provides outstanding insight into these frequently overlooked aspects of interpreting and we have loved hearing about her experience as a woman of color in this linguistic and cultural space. "In a field where People Of Color are sorely underrepresented, whether you are an individual, corporation, or small business, our goal is to supply you with diversified and professional interpreters. As a minority-owned business, I know how important representation is to you, therefore, my network and I strive to provide equitable interpreting solutions for all of your needs." (2) Whether Hill is your first introduction to signed song or you are an avid follower of ASL interpreting channels, we implore you to explore this incredible visual world. For us, phenomenal ASL interpreters like Hill are in a league of artistry all their own! Follow her on social media (Youtube, Instagram, Twitter), listen to her podcast full of fun and "anti self help- self help" (3), and be sure to connect with her through First Choice Interpreting Service if you or someone you know could benefit from her outstanding interpreting services (including, but not limited to, Video Remote Interpreting, in-person interpreting, and pre-recorded material for academic, non-profit, private sector, government, business, and conference needs).

The pandemic stripped us of so many experiences we cherished, including visits to art shows and galleries. We were fortunate here at ARCANISA to have had regular pre-pandemic access to art events and our love of the exposure to artistic newness, expression, and brilliance cannot be overemphasized. When the pandemic hit and galleries closed their doors we were sincerely worried about how the art world would navigate the new standardized virtual dynamic. Each gallery and museum has taken a unique approach, some offering 3D ‘tourable’ digital exhibition spaces, others stream conversations with artists who narrate their works and offer an alternate context to in-person viewing. But, in our opinion, TSA_PDF steals the show and certainly takes the cake. Tiger Strikes Asteroid, “a non-profit network of independently programmed, artist-run exhibition spaces with locations in Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Greenville, SC” (1) decided to bring art directly into people’s homes. On a roughly bi-monthly schedule, Tiger Strikes Asteroid calls on their remarkably talented network of artists to contribute pieces, which Tiger Strikes Asteroid then compiles, curates, and launches as digital exhibitions, inviting viewers to download, print, and install the artworks at home. Ranging from stitched silk, acrylic, and felt mixed-medium pieces to celestial photo-based performances that capture cloud collages, the works are magnificently diverse and always unexpected. “We view these exhibitions as a fun, experimental way to bring something physical and meaningful into people’s homes as they socially distance.” (2) Let us try to articulate what we feel makes TSA_PDF so uniquely successful. There is a consistent air of elitism that pervasively invades art spaces. While we don't inherently dislike this identity, it can be immensely off-putting to those uninitiated to it. Not surprisingly, as the institutionalized art world transitioned to a virtual presentation, the result sometimes teetered on a maladaptive attempt at personable relatability— something that highly exclusive galleries are not known for. From within the comfort of our homes, the exclusivity and elitism felt out of place, if not inappropriate. TSA_PDF took a much more authentic, and, in our opinion, a hugely successful, approach. Rather than present us with virtual reality gallery spaces that attempted to capture the in-person experience, Tiger Strikes Asteroid artfully recognized the unique opportunity for viewer participation and a casual, engaged, and more intimate interaction with the art world. Anyone interested can simply go online and download a complete curated collection of art pieces, intentionally designed to be printed using at home printers. Following a pay-what-you-wish pricing model, Tiger Strikes Asteroid all but guarantees there are no barriers to entry. Additionally, participants are encouraged to photograph and share their at home installations of their personal printed collections. From mantles and window panes, to outdoor fences and cubicle walls, the diversity of spaces people choose to showcase their newly acquired art is a testament to the comfortability, the pride, and the excitement participants feel toward the project. There are no rules restricting how one should hang the pieces, what lighting conditions are ideal, what arrangement the images should follow. There is complete freedom. At home, during a time as difficult as the pandemic, a freedom of expression, accompanied by beautiful ever-changing artworks is a magnificent luxury. There is a playful, gleeful excitement when new TSA_PDFs drop; one never knows what works will be revealed but everything is fully available to you. There is no scrambling to snag a piece as soon as it drops for fear it will sell out, no disappointingly prohibitive price point, no disingenuous digital staging or impersonal gallery walkthrough. It’s you and the art, however you see fit. We can’t imagine a more astute interpretation of the current moment or a more perfect artistic offering. We highly encourage you to explore the project for yourself, and be sure to peek on Instagram at the at-home installations! *note: we love in person galleries! We are in no way hating on the institutionalized art world, we are active participants in it; we are simply highlighting that, during this pandemic period, Tiger Strikes Asteroid has met the moment a bit better than other art spaces in a way that is relatable to art world novices and aficionados alike.

If you haven't noticed, we love unique culinary products and flavours here at ARCANISA! When we first encountered this epic Bullwhip Kelp Hot Sauce by Barnacle Foods, we were immediately overcome with excitement. A spicy, umami knockout, the sauce is the ultimate ingredient we didn't know we needed, but now cannot possibly live without! Run by lifelong Alaskans, Matt and Lia, Barnacle Foods was born out of a deep appreciation for Alaskan ingredients and a profound desire to “capture the essence of the Alaskan coastline”. Matt and Lia express a sense of, and obligation to place that is hypnotic. With the utmost sincerity, they wrote, We are motivated by our community and the place that we live. We are committed to a model of business where the value from harvested ingredients remains with those who live closest to the areas that they are harvested. This means that all of our products are made in Alaska. We are stubbornly rooted, like a Barnacle to a rock, withstanding all challenging conditions of the coast the crashing waves, frigid wind in the winter, and the best days of summer, too. (1) We strive to have the least impact on the resource; this includes visiting a different kelp bed for each harvest and only taking a small portion of the kelp bed. We are careful to not take too much from a single area and only use our hands and knife to cut each piece to harvest. (2) The wild kelp is sustainably and responsibly harvested, produced solely with “clean ocean, strong currents, and some hard working sea farmers”. Their star ingredient is bull kelp, Nereocystis luetkeana, endearingly referred to as ‘bullwhip’ kelp, grown and harvested in–you guessed it!–Alaska. Dense with nutrients and tenaciously occupying Alaskan coastlines, bull kelp is a phenomenal marine treat. The flavor is notably salty with a savory marine vegetal quality that seaweed lovers everywhere will recognize. The kelp has a long tubular stalks that are capped with an eruption of slippery ribbons, resembling a ferocious glossy botanical whip. Matt and Lia slice the stalks into beautifully symmetric and springy rings which they season and leave to rest in acidic pickling liquid to create their addictive kelp pickles. Barnacle Foods suggests adding them to rice bowls, ramen, oysters, halibut, sandwiches or Bloody Marys for a kick of seasoned acidic crunch and we couldn’t agree more. You can also venture into the world of kelp salsa to elevate burritos, eggs, potatoes, or even to add playful complexity to a mundane bag of chips. We’ve used their salsa verde for chilaquiles and can attest that the salsa transforms the dish into a spectacular savory delight. Stalks are also blended with spicy piri piri peppers (a flavour our Portuguese tastebuds nostalgically crave!) which results in a bizarrely oceanic hot sauce that is curiously atypical but addictively delicious. It opens with strong salty, mineraly, umami notes of kelp and closes with moderate heat and pronounced acidity. We've added this sensational sauce to more dishes than we can count, each with resounding success: think savory pie crusts, cream cheese, roasted nuts, chicken and waffles, you name it! On a regular basis we love adding a dash to enliven our lunchtime salads and naturally we've become the envy of the office! The hot sauce is flavorful and incredibly fun to experiment with and the label itself, complete with an epic illustration of Lia touting a kelp whip and pepper cluster, is a show-stopper. We admit to buying tank tops with the same logo because seeing the bottle on our counter just seemed insufficient given our love of the image! We are simply smitten with the flavours of the Bullwhip products. On top of the phenomenal taste, Barnacle Food’s commitment to preserving their Alaskan coastline, highlighting the glory of local ingredients, and creating and sharing truly unique culinary experiences is enchanting and we truly hope you find an opportunity to try out some of their products! Who doesn't want local Alaskan goodies made from sustainably sourced kelp thats harvested only with the hands of compassionate, creative, and downright cool sea farmers?!

Billy Collins is an undeniably exceptional poet. As a team, we were introduced to Collins at different stages of our lives: one member recalls her father sharing his favorite poem, Taking off Emily Dickinson’s Clothes, another described the experience of watching a recording of Collins reciting The Lanyard during a university class and feeling the buzzing energy of the lecture hall as students revelled in the comedic reminder of their inadequacies as children. For others, the heartwarming introduction to Collins was made by the truly phenomenal recitation of Litany by an adorable 3-year old that went viral several years ago. In organizing this feature on Collins, the ARCANISA team discovered that almost all of us had the privilege of experiencing his poetry read aloud. Anyone who watched the Litany video can appreciate that there is something intimate and profound about recited poetry—an oral tradition that is increasingly absent in the modern world. However, in response to the current state of pandemic-induced isolation, amidst all the challenges of the time, Collins now offers daily poetry readings—both his own work and that of other inspiring talents—and streams these readings live via Facebook in order to share the performative power of recited poetry. Poet Laureate of the United States for 3 years, Collins was heralded as “the most popular poet in America” by The New York Times and it is for that reason we feel his readings are so valuable. Collins stoic expression and relatably cluttered but nonetheless polished study decor featuring grasscloth wallpaper, a framed print of fish, and a Marshall speaker creates a backdrop of familiarity that ensures an accessible and inviting space. Anyone can watch his videos and feel welcomed; there are no aires of exclusivity or pretension inciting feelings of inadequacy. It is simply a man, casually sitting in his study, reading to you. It just happens that what he's reading is a glorious collection of poetry. Through a string of poems, set between sweet intermittent monologues about life and jazz, Collins welcomes us into his home and comforts us with his gentle demeanor, judgement-free conversation, and impressive intellect. The Poetry Broadcast is a contemporary Mr. Rodgers' Neighborhood for quarantined adults in all the most magical ways—subbing poetry for puppets!—and we sincerely believe your life will be better for watching it. While many artists and poets have begun conversations on social media during quarantine, Collins popularity, demeanor, and consistency create a poetry routine that will make even the most cynical listeners take note. And, if nothing else, we are confident you’ll smile while watching a brilliant man contemplate the decision of Warner Bros. to confiscate Elmer Fuud’s shot gun in Looney Tunes, but perhaps let him keep his hat, and the implications of that on Fudd’s struggles against Bugs Bunny. It's boldly endearing. And, for those of us who have a more experienced ear for the spoken word, we find privilege in witnessing a phenomenal artist share an impressive cannon of poetry. These videos are lovingly recorded and graciously shared so that we, as participants in the digital community, can add a brief moment of cultural growth and warming sweetness to our home-bound days. Here are a few videos of prior readings if you want a preview before watching one live! 28 May 2020 https://fb.watch/48Ngjam1jL/ 23 July 2021 https://fb.watch/48MVUGWkOM/ 15 January 2021 https://fb.watch/48M-0Ot_ri/

Those of you well versed in the current world of contemporary art will surely be familiar with Marquis Lewis, better known as Retna. His graphic calligraphic pieces feature stunning hieroglyphic/cubiform rows of text—indiscernible to those of us who can’t read his fantastical language—that provide a staggering abstract typographic landscape. While we could write an entire feature on Retna (and we likely will!), we decided to spotlight one specific painting and the unspoken genius behind it: Retna's mother. We initially discovered this piece while watching the Architectural Digest home tour of Nicole Scherzinger, who introduced us to the work and eloquently highlighted all the aspects of the painting that we find so devastatingly brilliant. The piece is a black and white, true-to-form Retna, composed of elongated dripping black brushstrokes against a large-scale white canvas. The composition of sharp edged triangles abutting stacked circles captures all we adore about Retna’s work. But what is so boldly sensational about this piece is a massive repaired slice that runs horizontally across the body of the canvas. The piece had been damaged and the result was a devastating gash tearing through the finished work. But, in a most intimate act, Retna’s mother sewed the canvas together with a both striking and endearing black thread stitch that remains prominently visible. Scherzinger noted “mom’s always put things back together” and it is the manifestation of this relationship and the beauty of a joint creation between single-mother and son that transforms the piece from a magnificent written abstraction to a truly one of a kind work of genius. Cheers to Scherzinger for collecting and appreciating such an incredible piece of art and to Retna’s mother for her disruptively magical touch that leaves us breathless! Find the discussion on the Retna piece at minute 2:23

Even prior to the start of the pandemic, athleisure and hyper-casual fashions were taking the world of street style by storm. Sweatpants and sweatshirts replaced more tailored pieces and an air of relaxation and ‘chill’ defined urban attire. Today, after a full year of isolating at home, it seems everyone has reverted to a more comfortable, and generally more casual aesthetic. While we love the current social-acceptability of casual wear for the day-to-day, we still crave some fashion expression. Fortunately, graphic t-shirts are surging with style, chicness, and boldly unapologetic creativity that can satiate even our fiercest fashion desires. There is no shortage of brands offering show stopping street ware but here we'll feature just two of our favorites. Everpress and Repostees are companies devoted to sharing an ever-changing collection of limited edition t-shirts that are dripping with coolness. London based Everpress is the kind of swoon-worthy company we dream about. In their own words, Here you’ll find a curated emporium of original designs with the tools to manufacture, promote, sell and distribute your own creations; a genuine alternative to the tyranny and wastefulness of conventional retail. We believe creative originality cannot thrive without independence. For us, it’s about You: what You know is right for you; what You know is right for the world. We’re on a mission to empower creative independence in a commercial world. (1) We told you they were visionary! In essence, Everpress welcomes a vast community of gifted designers and eagerly works with them to create and share epic t-shirts. The variety of designs is a testament to the diversity of the artists. From minimalist text to maximalist psychedelic abstractions, there are t-shirts at Everpress that will suit even the wildest styles. Some designs benefit international charities, others are printed as limited edition art pieces, but all are authentically original. We just bought ourselves the ‘Lunch of the Day’ t-shirt because who doesn’t want a shirt featuring a hypnotic swarm of illustrated pigeons eating a scattering of stale french fries (we don’t know that they’re stale but the New Yorkers amongst us are fully convinced that they're rubberized and upsettingly cold!). While Everpress focuses on creation and distribution, Repostees takes on a billboard marketing role, proudly promoting t-shirt releases from brands large and small. Everyday on Instagram, Repostees shares available shirts, directing us to designers and brands that we may never have discovered otherwise. Take the female P.O.C run Australian street ware brand, Smile and Wave. We are obsessed with their multicultural and devastatingly in vogue designs featuring everything from Chinese-inspired printed dragons to the flora and fauna of Australia—including the pleasant absurdity that is the platypus. Without Repostees, we likely wouldn't have found Smile and Wave and our lives would certainly be worse-off for it. Repostees offers a constant stream of ultramodern t-shirts that leaves us ceaselessly inspired. So trade your tired tracksuit for a t-shirt from Everpress or Repostees and feel yourself transform into a stay-at-home style icon! Looking for more t-shirt inspiration? Check out these phenomenal designs from Rat City Roller Derby, Tochtli Wear, Esther Perdandt, and Paradice Palase (who also released a fantastic tee collaboration with Seren Morey that we included earlier in the feature)!

In preparing this feature, one of our team members recalled the sculpture studio at their university in which the gallery/critique room featured 3 dramatic skylights in the vaulted space. While this provided a wash of natural light over the staggered plinths, it eliminated any opportunity for the incorporation of directed light and deliberate shadow into the sculptures. This, not surprisingly, proved to be an immediate and almost inexcusable loss as light has the power to transform any artwork, any space, and any experience. With this power in mind, let us introduce you to four incredible sculptures and installations that masterfully utilize light to transform the experiences of viewers. In our humble opinion, few conversations on the use of light in art are complete without a prominent discussion of Dan Flavin. Flavin transformed gallery walls and corners by strategically placing florescent light bars into organized neon arrangements of staggering color. We love his Corridor installations that block off doorways to other rooms using florescent bulb bars to form deceiving curtains of light that lure us in like the bead curtains of Felix Gonzalez-Torres without the possibly of advancing through them. In all his works, Flavin awakened otherwise darkened galleries by illuminating them with dramatic color that playfully framed and reflected against stark white walls. Because of their orientation, many of the pieces don't produce visual shadows off of the viewers, creating fully independent light sources that have little interaction with the audience—aside from serious pupil constriction! In direct contrast to Flavin’s works is Olafur Eliasson’s Room for One Color. The Icelandic Artist lines the ceilings of rooms with golden yellow florescent lights that shower pedestrians in a dramatic glow of stark lemon shade. What makes these installations so impactful is the transformation that occurs in the presence of yellow light: the eye perceives everything within the space as black and white. That means every face, handbag, and fly away hair is immediately desaturated, standing in impressive contrast to the vivid yellow surrounds. The experience is highly cinematic, and, frankly, a little trippy! Larry Bell’s Black Room is equally disorienting, although, it probably wouldn’t translate well on film. The installation consists of a maze in complete and total darkness that a viewer navigates by keeping one hand along the wall at all times to guide them along the perimeter of the winding corridor. The complete absence of light is delicious. To add a moment of unexpectedness, at the far end of the maze, elevated to the ceiling and tucked slightly behind the wall is a yellow florescent light that casts just the slightest glow. As you slowly make your way toward it, you feel almost like a moth to a light, curious and eager to explore outside the suffocating darkness. Much like Eliasson’s spaces, the light creates an experience of living in black and white, although we weren’t very perceptive of this as we were so focused on maintaining our sanity in the darkness! It’s a bit frightful to then move away from the light, back into the weighted dark, but it’s literally an eye opening moment when you reemerge into the jarring light of the main gallery space. (We couldn't capture an image worth sharing of the pitch black Black Room so here are a few of Bell's glass installations as well as an installation he created that projected video onto a curtain of falling water that all magnificently filter, capture, and warp light!) Finally we introduce Doug Wheeler. Wheeler creates experiential exhibitions and installations that never fail to leave us weak at the knees. His recent installation at David Zwirner Gallery in Chelsea did not disappoint, nor did we expected it to! Illuminating the perimeter of thin fabric stretched taught along the walls of the gallery, Wheeler worked to capture the luminosity of a blue sky as viewed from an airplane. Zwirner writes on the piece, “Wheeler alters the traditionally static viewing experience of a work of art, thereby destabilizing our innate sense of equilibrium and imparting the feeling of moving with the earth towards an unreachable horizon.” and we frankly cant agree more. It is peacefully destabilizing. While Bell’s Dark Room left us a bit shaken by discomfort, Wheeler entices us with an addictively and hypnotically minimalist space. In front of the illuminated wall, you want to stare endlessly. It’s truly mesmerizing. Whether the result of the hypnotic color pallet or the effortless symmetry, it’s a stunning experience with light that feels profound. There are no shortage of contemporary art installations that capture and manipulate light and we urge you to explore them in person! The interactive beams from Anthony McCall, glaring lasers from Rita McBride, lightening strikes from Walter De Maria, and even the resoundingly reflective sculptures from Anish Kapoor all utilize the gravity, power, hypnotism, and fragility of light to create uniquely transformative and moving works of art. The next time you venture into a museum or gallery, take a moment to consider the surrounding light and shadow! There is a profound psychological and emotional relationship to the presence and absence of light that works in perfect harmony with the expressivity of art to create something truly magical.

If you have followed us for a while, you may have recognized that a few of us spent time living in Philadelphia. Philadelphia, in our opinion, is a city that must be lived in to be full appreciated. The best parts of Philly, the most distinctive parts, the most memorable and sacred, are small moments that can only be experienced spontaneously and often unexpectedly. One of these moments happens in the evening when leaving the SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) subway and trolley station on the west side of Philly across from 30th Street Train Station, the main train station serving Philadelphia with both Amtrak and Main Line commuter tracks. Allow us to set the scene: The trollies in West Philly are used predominantly by students, making their way to the University of Pennsylvania or Drexel, and nurses, doctors, and patients traveling to the Hospitals. There are also the occasional tourists looking for the Liberty Bell, although it’s unusual to find non-locals using the aboveground and underground trolley system. The trolleys themselves are small and aren’t exemplary demonstrations of cleanliness or organization but we loved the ritual of taking them. Something about pulling the rope running along the windows to indicate to the driver your stop is approaching felt intimate and endearingly antiquated. Most of the underground trolley stations are small, dimly lit, and perpetually damp. Somewhat post-apocalyptic, the stations feel forgotten and the energy levels of passengers seem to vaporize as they walk down the steep stairways, past suffocating turnstiles and ceaselessly caged construction sites, into the subway-tiled alcoves to await the next trolley. The station at 30th street, while significantly more populated, isn’t much of an exception to the previous generalization. Nearly everyone is rushing to or from 30th Street Station to catch a train they believe they’re late for (although anyone who takes SEPTA will know nothing is ever on time). People experiencing homelessness occupy corners of the corridors beside religious zealous trying to hand out pamphlets promoting redemption and salvation. It can be an exhausting endeavor at the end of a long day, especially when the weather is poor, as the slick surfaces ensure a strong 80% chance you’ll slip into filth. We know this sounds grim, but bear with us! The corridor out of the 30th Street trolley station is long and winding, ultimately abutting a large wide staircase that turns up to street level. About 10 steps up, the grime and industrialism of the underground is interrupted and cleansed by a whisper of burning incense that builds with each step toward the surface until it amounts to a thick blanket of aromatic relief. Outside the entrance to the station is a street stand selling random—typically uncoordinated and disorganized—items, including incense that is burned by the stall owner to entice impulsive buyers. Regardless of whether the marketing ploy is successful, the experience of reaching this moment during a tryingly long commute home and be met by sweetness is one that we truly cherished. It was a reminder of simplistic and unexpected luxuries. The brief walk through the incense filled entrance left us with a meaningful sense of gratitude and purity, cleansing us like a non-ceremonious smudging. If you find yourself in Philadelphia, take a trolley to 30th Street and embrace an excerpt of life in Philly; it’s sometimes dirty, impoverished, and exhausting qualities are deeply tied to its moments of simple eclectic perfection.