My name is Lisa Hsia, I’m a writer and artist, and this is my blog.
I was born on 12/12 in the year that: Sandra Day O’Connor became the first female justice on the US Supreme Court, the first cases of AIDS were reported in Los Angeles, Raiders of the Lost Ark came out, and Natalie Wood drowned off Catalina Island.
I have been blogging since 2001 and it is a big part of the way I live, write, and think. I started on LiveJournal, posting short notes and links that were relevant to me as a college freshman. My blogging style has evolved a lot since then, and in January 2009 I launched this blog as a private chronicle of my art-making. Before long I started telling people about it, and since then I’m happy to see the way this blog has become a community, and a continuing source of support and inspiration for others as well as for me. I now blog here exclusively, though you may read the ten-year archive of my LiveJournal here.
I write here about my creative life — which is sometimes hard to separate from everything else in my life. I often write about specific art topics like watercolor painting and the challenges of writing a memoir, but I also write about larger life questions, like finding happiness and learning to love my body, that aren’t exclusive to artists. On Fridays I host a virtual Open Mic and invite guest artists and all readers to participate. These conversations are central to this blog’s community, so even if you don’t read or comment most of the time, I hope you’ll join us on Fridays!
For a closer introduction to the blog, check out the Satsumabug Sampler, a hand-picked selection of my posts.
For more about me, continue to the Work section: Publications & exhibitions, Events & appearances, Experience & education, and Inspirations & influences. (You can also find these pages via the menu at the top of the blog, underneath the banner.)
One more thing: in 2012-2013, my husband Erik and I plan to travel the world. Read about our idea here – and know that I’ll certainly be continuing the blog on our journey!
Thank you for visiting, and I hope to see you in the comments!
February 2011, revised December 2011
This is good, Lisa! Warm, welcoming, and informative — covering all the bases.
Thank you, Sherry! That was the idea. Good to know it works for you.
This is a very nice, welcoming blog. I’ll be back (said in a ‘wow, just found a great place to visit’ tone, not an Arnold Schwartenegger accent!).
Thanks very much, Lisa. Welcoming is a word I’m really happy to hear in describing the blog! I like yours too. Hope we’ll “see” more of each other.
I love the purpose of this blog! Just stumbled across it and am looking for my own guest bloggers for my DC arts blog, hmm. Good ideas and a great example of collaboration.
Thanks so much, Justin! My friend Willona also writes a DC arts blog — maybe you could connect with her. The blog is dcscorpiongirl.wordpress.com and she’s also done two guest posts for my Open Mic.
Thanks, I’ll send her a message!
Hey, Lisa: I just wanted to give you a little blog award and tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog. See it here: http://thegirlinthehat.wordpress.com/2011/06/14/the-free-love-blog-award%E2%80%94no-strings-attached/
Thanks!
Anna
Thanks ever so much, Anna! I appreciate it!
Loved “ain’t no body but our chickens” – thanks for sharing it. Thanks for the pannini. I am loving my new futon. Yeah! Safe travels to you and Erik. peace, Vanessa
Thank you ever so much for taking the time to read it, Vanessa! So happy to meet you and share a meal. Peace and love to you!
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