This is one of my most favorite pieces of writing. To me, to be in community with others means to constantly break open the binds of our circles and allow it to inflate. Bigger circles, an open door, and lots of curiosity, care, and warmth within. I think creating community is an intentional act that can start naturally. Being friends with your teachers, your elders, those who came after you. Becoming a visitor, and maybe a member of a bunch of communities. Sit around a table together. Maybe march in a puppet parade together. All it takes is a couple folks to come together on just one shared love. Isn’t that so joyous? 

In my personal practice, community is undoubtedly my biggest tool and resource. I like to consult with friends. No. I require consulting with friends. You are a specialist on a topic I need advice on? Your dm inbox is my next step. But, besides advice giving/ receiving, I love to just 𝒃𝒆 together. Spending time with one another. Learning about your practice. Listening to your life’s intricacies. Placing your voice. Experiencing joy, together. In my practice, this emphasis on community could result in a group art show, a community event, an open-to-the-public conversation, an anthology. I just want to help in binding the stitch that brings us together. 

How many people does it take to count as a community? Maybe just… two? Well then, let you and I build one together.

Bella Caroline

August 18th, 2025

 “...alternative forms of kinship can help us reframe 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 temporally to think of to belong as to 𝒃𝒆 𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘 with an attendant political commitment to duration and sustainability that is not necessarily rooted in biological reproduction or self-­ preservation” – AB Brown on Dustin Goltz’s notion of relational generativity

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