On The Move | Newsletter
In this March newsletter, I want to share with you a life update and a thought I had while moving our belongings from one big city to a small coastal town 1500Km away.
A few weeks ago, my partner and I relocated to a small beach town called Laurieton in the Biripi Nation of NSW for the next four to five months. After that, we’ll be moving to Barcelona for a while to reconnect with my culture, family and friends.
While on the road, my partner and I had this conversation:
Ok, I know we don’t have kids, but we do have nieces and nephews and I was thinking of how to make a difference in someone’s life. Here are some thoughts:
I called our Super fund and asked if it was possible to open an account for a newborn baby, and the answer is yes. The account is under your name and the baby’s name until they have a legal age to work and own it. You’ll see two accounts on your Super, and can make contributions only.
Working out a compound interest of 7.5%, if you contribute $20 per week, by the time your child has turned 60 years old, your contributions sum up a total of $58K and the funds in your child’s Super (60-year-old child) will be nearly one million dollars.
I haven’t read the Barefoot Investor for Families yet, and maybe all parents in Australia already know this, but to me this is a pretty mind blowing thought to consider, if you want to make a significant impact in someone’s life.
The last two months have been busy getting ready for the moving, and settling in a new environment very different from Rotson Studios. For a little while, I am trading culture by nature and reflecting on the last two years in Australia.
I’m currently writing you from our new temporary location with my heart full of gratitude for everything I have, including massive green trees and a hundred types of birds in every direction.
My heart is also aching from the recent news about the Russian invasion over the Ukraine, and my thoughts are with all its people. I recently listened to an interview with Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh where he talks about deep listening as a tool to solve conflicts between countries, families and beyond. Listening to Thay is a 20-min warm shower for the heart.
This month I am sharing a couple of projects I have recently finished, my next two upcoming calligraphy courses and a monthly lecture series I am very much enjoying.
Wishing you and your family much peace and love for 2022,
Maria xx
One Moon Feather | Logomark
Recently I had the opportunity to collaborate with Tara Mercurio and Joshua Klein from One Moon crafting a sophisticated, delicate and high-end logomark for their luxury brand. The Moon Feather has also turned into an exquisite pendant!
Dreamfable | Logotype
Recently I had the opportunity to collaborate with Luke Lim from Dreamfable redesigning the logotype for their printed fashion label. It is a clean, contemporary and minimalistic approach to balance their colourful printed garments.
Online Intro to Copperplate Calligraphy (Level 1)
This 8-hour Intro to Copperplate calligraphy courses runs in a webinar format via Zoom. I record each session and you are able to review the videos later on, and for those of you living in a different time zone.
May 29 & June 5, 19, 26
From: 9.30 to 11.30 am AEDT / UTC+10
Level 1: Beginners and intermediate students
— 9.30am to 11.30am AEDT / UTC+11
— 4 Sundays (no class on June 12)
— Videos available to watch for 2 months
— Materials list supplied
— Personal class notes provided
— Handouts sent in advance
— Copperplate minuscule and capitals
— No calligraphy experience required
— Q&A session after each class
— Personalised feedback to all students
— 1 spot for a BIPOC student available
— Every lesson is recorded and uploaded 3 hours after each class
Work out your Time Zone Conversion here.
Online Copperplate Variations (Level 2)
April 3, 10, 24 & May 1st
From 9.30am to 11.30am, AEDT / UTC+10
Level 2: Intermediate
— Copperplate Capitals Intermediate Level
— Variations on some of the letters of the lowercase alphabet
— Variations in the alphabet ratio
— Variations on where to apply pressure to obtain different look and feels
Assignments:
— Write an envelope address
— Choose a short quote and apply as many variations as possible.
Syllabus:
— Four Sundays (No class on Easter Sunday)
— For intermediate students
— Comprehensive list of materials supplied
— Personal class notes provided
— Handouts sent in advance
— 1 spot for a BIPOC student available
— No calligraphy experience required
— Q&A session after each class
— Videos available to watch for 2 months
— Personalised feedback to student’s homework
— Every lesson is recorded and uploaded 3 hours after each class
This article was part of my March 2022 newsletter called “On The Move”. Check the entire content here.