Hi, I’m Lake! (They/Them). Thanks for stopping by my blog! I have included an array of different work here, from poetry, to architectural journalism, to digital photography, to original music and nature recordings. I have also included links to resources I have found helpful, from my perspective as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. All of my work explores the queer, wandering, social, and introspective selves. In both creating as an artist and while researching design-related topics, I often ponder the following question — Can physical spaces be the catalysts that allow for healing to take place? I enjoy traveling, especially by train, and could talk for hours about public transit. I am interested in solidarity economics and creating new networks of care.

I have a lifelong interest in art and design. While a student at Mount Holyoke College, I traveled in 2015 with a group of students from Hampshire college to Colombia, where we learned about sustainable design and agriculture. We also learned about innovative public transit systems, urban development, and the impacts of gentrification. Traveling and living in different places has allowed me to practice and learn other languages, which I enjoy immensely. In 2016, I had the privilege to study abroad for a semester at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in Copenhagen, where I learned all about Urban Design and Design Thinking, and particularly how the design of public spaces is not only a national priority in Denmark, but is also official governmental policy. While at Mount Holyoke, in addition to studying Architectural History, Theory and Criticism, I also studied performing arts extensively—particularly modern dance, acting, and music. In 2018, I graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in Architectural Studies. I was very excited when, In 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to study for the summer at the International Summer School at the University of Oslo. While there, I lived and studied with students from over 80 countries around the world. After studying in Denmark, I had developed a passion for Nordic languages, and continue my study of them to this day. While in Oslo, I studied Norwegian (Bokmål). I also co-founded the Queer Straight Alliance, where we held social events for LGBTQ+ students on campus, as well as advocating for the inclusion of gender neutral pronouns in the University’s course materials.

I have been writing poetry as a regular practice for ten years now, ever since a creative writing class I took with my sibling (and only 5 other students!) while in high school. Some days we walked to write at a local coffee shop during class, which was a big thrill for me at the time! I reflect back on moments like this and am reminded that I enjoy moving through life slowly. I like to sit down for a while to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, or brunch, as I watch the sunrise or listen to the sounds of the birds singing. I currently create art and writing in Maine, which is on the unceded lands of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Abenaki, Pequawket, and that of other Indigenous peoples. I would encourage anyone to consider how they can financially support local Indigenous tribes, Black Trans women, and others who have been marginalized by our society and denied equitable access to resources and opportunities.

All artwork, representations of art work, and writing on this site are the sole and original creation of myself, Lake, unless otherwise noted. I have a tab in the main navigation bar which links to outside resources. In the references tab, I list some songs and other media that has inspired me. I do not take responsibility for any information accessed via those links or via any other external sources.