Riposte Card No. 17: Calamitous cuppa!
Or, Sydney Smith by Nicole Iu
I think we can all agree these are trying times. Or maybe we can’t agree, and that’s why they’re so trying. Either way, the Riposte Card for the month of July riffs on a great quip by Sydney Smith that puts the apocalypse in perspective.
“I always fear that creation will expire before teatime.”
— Sydney Smith
This clever artwork by illustrator Nicole Iu will ring true to anyone who has ever scaled a giant cup of tea:
I’ve always liked the line because it juxtaposes the horrific with the humdrum, accurately pointing out that the end of the world will inevitably arrive after one meal and before another. But Nicole ran with a more fanciful interpretation: The fear of running out of creative energy before the day is done. Here are her preliminary sketches:
And here’s her obligatory Riposte Card Questionnaire:
What’s your go-to item in a well-stocked stationery store?
I have to say — the colorful pens! I'm obsessed with them, you'll find at least one hiding in every purse I own. I can spend so much time in different stationery stores, checking out all the cool pen colors, thickness and textures. It’s like a treasure hunt for new brands that you can’t find anywhere else. They're so versatile, playful, and just unleash your creativity freely. You can grab a pen and just start drawing anywhere.
Where do you go for inspiration and/or information?
There are many things I would do when I am in a creative block. However, I found myself whenever I needed a boost of inspiration, I love taking little trips or getaways to explore new neighbourhoods and soak up nature’s vibes. You'd be surprised how much everyday life, or new environment can spark your imagination and fuel your creativity.
Is there one joke, witticism, or aphorism you live by?
I used to always tell myself, “That’s impossible!” or brush off encouragement from others about my dreams. But then, this wise old man at the bakery where I worked in high school changed my perspective. He asked me about my future aspirations, and when I said I wanted to be an artist but felt it was impossible, he then flipped over his receipt and wrote “IMPOSSIBLE” on a receipt, then flipped it to show me that it could also read “I’M POSSIBLE.” As an ESL student, that moment truly inspired me, and I've lived by that ever since!
What's the best thing to put on toast?
Hands down, herb and garlic cream cheese! I could seriously eat that every day.
What work are you most proud of, and how can people support it?
I have some products available on my Etsy but I’m really proud of this everyday tote bag I designed called “Take it Easy.” Living in Toronto with all the crazy traffic, I wanted to create a reminder for everyone to just chill and take it easy on the road. :)
Tote bag: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1300851760/tote-bag-take-it-easy?ref=SellerDashboard
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/nicart_15/
And of course, if you’d like to receive Nicole’s postcard in the mail, subscribe!