Author: Jackie Mantey

All the artwork in baby’s room (so far)

Jackie Mantey

Girlfriend’s not here yet, though she’s certainly making herself (and her strong legs) known in my uterus. We can’t wait to meet her and have spent a ton of time getting everything ready for her arrival.

The most fun part has not been—surprise!—all the “prepared childbirth” classes (helpful, but yikes), but rather decorating her cute little bedroom.

Here’s how it’s going so far, artwork-wise:

The base of this bad boy, which hangs above her changing table, is from the series of large abstract paintings I made in Chicago right before moving to Cleveland. Back then, I showed the works to my good girlfriend and her toddler-age daughter, who adored this purple and slime green color combo. So, I decided if she loved it, my girl might too. I brought it upstairs and painted the daisy in the middle just to give it something special.

Babies love high-contrast stuff. Newborns in particular are naturally drawn to high-contrast images because their eyesight is still developing.

FUN FACT! The darkening of a mother’s nipples during pregnancy and postpartum is related to this concept. Known as hyperpigmentation, this change is partly nature’s way of making it easier for newborns to locate the nipple for breastfeeding. (Seeee, we were paying attention in those childbirth classes.)

I made this series of six paintings with a bright colored background and single, colorful object foreground with this idea in mind. I want baby to feel excited about all there is to explore in the world. And now we can teach her about things like weather phenomena and Dennis Rodman at an early age!  🌈🏀🐙🎸🍉🌟

Doug’s parents brought us this crib they’d been saving since the 1980s. It still works and is still safe and is still retro adorable. Look at those fluffy lil poodles. When I found this photo of baby Doug standing in front of the very same crib circa 1989, I knew I had to frame it and place it in the room too.

We’re a house rich in handmade gifties! This three-piece peachy powerhouse of knitted, quilted, and crocheted blankets are some of my favorite items we’ve received via the outpouring of love and generosity from our friends and family. I know how much work goes into making these pieces, and I’m forever grateful. Can’t wait to wrap our little one up in all that extended love!

A quick and dirty year in review: 2024

Jackie Mantey

Everyone’s doing those sweet look-backs on social media. Here’s mine.

I got knocked up! Yay! Baby’s due January 2025 (aka any day now… gulp).

Morning sickness really took root while we were in Washington D.C. to do some research at the Library of Congress. Did you know you can do that?! It’s the People’s Library after all. You even get a library card, which is a way cooler souvenir than anything I bought there.

Being pregnant meant I spent a lot of time at home. Not that I was complaining. I think 2024 could basically be called my Year of Nesting… with two cute kitties.

And, while at home feeling baby-nauseous, I painted a bunch of stuff, exploring new ideas that I think will coalesce into something more delicious eventually… 

Doug and I got engaged on Christmas. <3

Back when we dated in college, Doug took me on a surprise visit to a neighboring village to walk around and check out the Christmas lights. I’ve always remembered this gesture because:

1) I picked a fight because I thought loving Christmas was kind of lame and I didn’t want to be any kinds of lame, but in the 15-ish years that passed since then, I would sometimes think back on how he recognized this fact about me (loving Christmas) even though I tried to hide it. I regretted picking that fight… and so many others we had simply because it was 2007/2008 and we were 20/21-year-old kids.

2) Doug biffed it on the icy sidewalk because he was wearing cowboy boots. What can I say, we were both stupid in so many ways back then. 

That we found each other again—with more mature hearts, minds, and shoe selections—will forever feel like a miracle to me.

I said yes.

Three “Artist Dates” that cost absolutely nothing

Jackie Mantey

A few weeks ago, I updated my website for the first time in over a year. Woof. I couldn’t believe it had been that long! I mean, I kept up with the obvious stuff — the WordPress and plugin updates, etc. — so the whole thing didn’t come uh-tumblin’-down, but the rest of it had pretty much stayed in stasis for a little over 57 years 365 days.

I had good reason not to be online. I’ve been nesting. I love that term because that’s exactly what it has felt like… cleaning, decorating, fixing, changing, cleaning some more. Basically doing everything a new homeowner should do, including simply just relaxing and enjoying the fact that I finally bought my own house.

Recently, though, I’ve had the itch to get back online and share some of my newer work. I’ve been busy painting over the last year and have a few things I’m happy to show from it. I have also been hoping to get back into a groove of creating and writing more regularly.

Whenever I’ve come across moments like this in my creative life, I love finding things that kick me into high gear—namely, finding other artists who inspire me or challenge me to think about new paths for my practice.

Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way is such an easy go-to in these moments. I have a dog-eared copy with highlighter all over it, notes in nearly every margin. If you’ve ever delved into this book or been friends with someone who has (because we all talk about it), you’re probably familiar with the concept of the “Artist Date.” An Artist Date is a special, intentional block of time that you spend with your creative self. It’s a solo adventure designed to inspire, refresh, and ~awaken~ your inner artist.

Think of it as a date with your creativity—just you, your imagination, and a little bit of play. It’s like creativity is the charming but shy crush you have and you’re trying to bring them out of hiding and make them realize you are a worthy muse/ friend after all.

While the idea might conjure images of pricey art galleries or fancy workshops, the truth is that Artist Dates don’t need to cost a dime. Here are three I’ve done recently that have helped bring me back around to myself, new nest and all.

1. Peruse art books and magazines at the library

The mere scent of a library book can get my juices going. Same? Next time you’re at the library, make a beeline for the art section. Browse through art books, photography collections, and even those glossy magazines dedicated to art, craft, and design. You might find yourself flipping through pages of Picasso or exploring a contemporary artist you’ve never heard of. There’s so much to discover and the randomness of what you’ll find is half the fun.

The last time I did this, I found a great book on the cultural history of kitsch and went down a long, winding rabbit hole learning about the theoretical aesthetics and social implications of show globes and paper weights and basically anything trapped in glass or acrylic. I’m not saying it went anywhere other than me wanting a paperweight for my office now, but it was fun, and I think of the art of capturing a feeling a little differently now.

2. Go to a food market

Sure the food is beautiful — fresh bizarre fruits and decadent desserts in particular—and occasionally grotesque — dead fish eyes staring back at you never fails to disappoint — but food markets/ food halls are especially good people watching. I love noticing what the vendors have on display in their stands.

I get a similar vibe when dropping by niche food stores, like grocery stores in Cleveland’s Asiatown. Unexpected package designs, new color combinations, and surprising word combinations abound.

3. Visit a graveyard

OK, hear me out.

When you’re in the right headspace (read: not grieving), a graveyard is a fascinating visual feast. The terrifying angel statues! The mysterious rolling stones! The… crypt of James Garfield?

Sure thing. At least if you’re visiting the graveyard nearest my house.

Lake View Cemetery is the final resting place of the 20th president of the ol’ US of A (and his wife, daughter, and son in law). He’s the only president buried above ground (sooo, not buried?), and the building atop his casket is simply gorgeous — a Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine beaut’ complete with many a mosaic and mural.

Whatever Artist Date you choose, these intentional moments are a time to look, experience, and practice going with the flow of whatever comes up to greet you. Just fingers crossed it’s not the ghost of Garfield… and whomever this terrifying thing belongs to:

Goodbye for now, Chicago <3

Jackie Mantey

This past May, I bought this beautiful old house in Cleveland Heights, Ohio!! I move there for good next weekend, when my Chicago lease is up.

The Chicago flag has four red stars on it. I love that Chicago is a place with the balls to give itself its own flag. (But I get it. Even earlier today I accidentally typed, “The state of Chicago is…”) These four stars represent pivotal events that forged Chicago as we know it, for better or worse. The Great Chicago Fire is one star, for example. The World’s Fair is another.

When I moved here, I was only a few weeks sober. In hindsight, that seems v stupid and dangerous. They say not to make any big life decisions in early sobriety, but I think moving to Chicago is what made it possible for me. I had a completely clean slate. I was open and raw as hell and the city rewarded me in kind.

People who don’t know Chicago can jump to the conclusion that it is a violent place, but I healed here. I came alive to myself here. This city’s indifference and challenges and charm were exactly what I needed. It was hard but it was not cruel.

I had a few months of overlap owning my new house in Cleveland Heights and renting my apartment in Chicago. I made a list of Chicago things I still wanted to do before I moved. (My friends and I called this the Last Dance Summer bucket list. If you know you know. 🐂) As I made my list, I realized I didn’t have much to put on it. I’d done so much already. Even with a year spent doing nothing during a pandemic.

My favorite thing about Chicago has always been the physical experience of it. I love riding the L like a puppy loves riding in a car. I feel no shame when people visit and I’m like, “LET’S RIDE THE TRAIN!!!” My love for it is so pure. I mean, there’s nothing better than seeing the city unfold before you, the built neighborhoods like petals of a beefy flower. Yes, even if the train car you’re on smells like smoke and piss and there’s a shifty woman wearing head-to-toe gold sequins at 2 pm. (*Especially* if there’s a shifty woman wearing head-to-toe gold sequins at 2 pm.)

I also love that in Chicago you can walk. Everywhere. That sounds so simple, but this was new to me. Walking was something I used to do to *get* somewhere. In Chicago, I walked to *see* somewhere.

My first apartment here was a shitty little studio in Lakeview and I would walk the Lakeshore every morning. One, two hours of just walking around, soaking in my new life. During my divorce, the thing that kept me sane was walking the Old Irving Park neighborhood at night. Three, four hours of just walking around, releasing my rage.

But rage is not what I’ll remember about Chicago. It’s love.

I love the skyline and the Bulls and Dennis Rodman. I love Chicago hot dogs with the sport peppers and Pequod’s pepperoni. I love the miniature rooms decorated for the holidays at the Art Institute. I love the bridges and the boats. All that corny ass out of towner shit, I LOVE IT. I also love the things and people and best friends you only get to know if you live here.

And while love brought me to Chicago, sustained me in Chicago, love has now called me away. My heart is in Ohio. I am SO excited to be closer to my family again and Doug. I am excited to own my first home and I genuinely can’t wait to root myself down after decades of spiriting around to wherever, whenever. My definition of freedom has taken a new form.

I have this certainty I’m on the right track. Like I’m exactly where I need to be and heading exactly where I need to go. Even as I leave it behind, Chicago enabled a path for me that led to a remarkable degree of self-faith.

This city is a star on the flag of my heart.

New chapbook recommendation

Jackie Mantey

Hooray! My dear friend Jaclyn, who just happens to also be a super talented writer (and excellent poser for my silly little photographs):

… has a new chapbook of poems out, published by Dancing Girl Press in Chicago. I would recommend you read her work regardless, but this chapbook, titled “The Men I Never:” is extra special to me… because I got to design the cover!

This is Erato, one of the nine Greek muses and the patron of lyric and erotic poetry or hymns.

And listen, no one does sexy, weird, lyric poetry quite like Jaclyn. I love this book.

Check it out? Contact Jaclyn to order a copy and be sure to explore the rest of her work!

Just for fun, here were some of the outtakes as we worked together to finalize the cover concept:

Pretty in purple

Jackie Mantey

Come home soon.

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“Under the Lilacs” by Jackie Mantey // Original image info: Russell Lee, 1941, “Old brown stonehouses, Chicago.”

  • Embroidery floss on photo paper
  • Comes in white picture mat with bevel-cut core
  • 11 inches x 14 inches in mat
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New watercolor works!

Jackie Mantey

One watercolor painting = two cool new things 💧💧

BLUEBERRY FLAMINGO

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APRICOT HONEY

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CHARCOAL FOG

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GRAPE SODA

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PEONY ICE

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CROCODILE PEACH

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MINT SKY

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MAGENTA RUST

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BUBBLEGUM WINE

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WISTERIA MINT

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GREEN TEA PICNIC I & II

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ROGUE BLUSH

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ORCHID RAIN

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PEACOCK SMOKE

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Surprise hello, sad goodbye

Jackie Mantey

Over the weekend I made a last-minute trip back to Ohio for two things: 1) The impromptu Columbus Alive farewell gathering and 2) my nieces’ dance recital. My visit was a surprise for all but about three people I saw that weekend, and man, I gotta make more surprise visits because the reaction was amazing. I felt so loved! Thank you guys. <3⁠

I’m bummed Columbus Alive newspaper closed. That job validated to me that I am a writer. It gave me so many experiences, discoveries, and friends. Alive’s end is a loss for a community I once loved and I hope the professionals still there find a way to fill the hole left in its wake.⁠

My top two Alive experiences came at the beginning and end of my time writing for it: ⁠

2) Seeing Nina West perform while covering Drauma for the paper early in my tenure and returning to the newsroom with a mission: Convince everyone we should write about her AMAP because baby was a S-T-A-R. Shelley was more than game. Covering drag and affirming it as an Arts subject area and creative pillar in the city was a big deal to us 12 years ago, especially under the ownership at the time.⁠

1) Getting to know Alix Reese was an honor and writing about her changed my understanding of writing. I always felt insecure about my extreme disinterest in chasing down a lead or ASKING THE HARD QUESTIONS™. In journalism school I once had to go cover a fire at a movie theater and I thought the whole time, “I’m in the way. I really hate this.” I wasn’t cut out for hard news. I do not have the right kind of emotional stamina for it.⁠

But I recognized with Alix’s feature that what I brought to the table was important too. My emotional stamina is built for a different kind of writing, and the storytelling it generates can be just as valuable as the hard-nosed journalists getting the scoop. ⁠

A newspaper needs both.⁠

Alix’s feature showed me that when I put my own understanding of life into a piece of writing — particularly about a story as powerful and moving as hers — I can do something meaningful. It’s less obviously important than breaking news, but it still mattered. ⁠

So did every version of Alive and its many contributors. ⁠

Farewell, friend.

May the flower crowns be with you

Jackie Mantey

This guy is from Augustus Sherman’s collection of Ellis Island portraits. The photo is dated 1906. He’s listed simply as “Romanian shepherd.” 

I looked up the May Day celebrations and rituals of Romania (nearly every country’s got some), and this apotropaic one charmed me:

“The entries to the animals’ shelters are adorned with green branches. All branches are left in place until the wheat harvest when they are used in the fire which will bake the first bread from the new wheat.”

To be clear, the fire is to bake the bread. 

Definitely only the bread. 

Definitely not the sad American co-ed’s bad boyfriend dressed in a bear suit. 

Midsommar’s ending explained by Screenrant

ONLY. THE. BREAD.

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