#62: Tiffany Joy Schouw

We're joined by multi-disciplinary artist and designer, Tiffany Joy Schouw, who tells us more about art by Matthew Palladino, Lao Gan Ma Crispy Chilli Oil & Butter Beans, Mubi films, and more.

You might say they’re a multi-disciplinary artist and designer, with fingers in many pies. Master of none? By day, Tiffany Joy Schouw is a graphic designer and illustrator, and by night, well, the same. They work with a creative studio and consultancy called Hoick in Cape Town and also moonlight as the fourth member of Caramel Palace. Despite saying they don't like work, they’re always busy with it, actually enjoying it, and often seeking more tasks and collaborations.

When Tiffany does manage to tear themselves away, you'll find them soaking in nature, lost in daydreams, or being silly with the people they love.

We welcome Tiffany to The FRM Newsletter to share what they’ve been into recently!

👗☀ Fashion

Fashion's a bit of a puzzle for me. I can admire it, but it also has its pitfalls. While I dream of owning pieces from The Elder Statesman and more Brain Dead, I tend to be pretty strict with myself when it comes to finances. So, I end up thrifting pieces that echo those brands, with a smaller carbon footprint. Colour is a big part of who I am, evident in both my wardrobe and my work. It's everywhere around me, from my bright yellow iPad case to the colourful meals I cook daily. I've also got a thing for oversized, comfy clothes–I like feeling small and snug.

🎧🌊 Music

Music's my saviour. It's pulled me out of countless slumps and "sad girl" days. While I usually have ambient music playing while I work, I don't really have a preference when it comes to genres. But I do have a habit of playing the same songs on repeat. Three tracks I've probably listened to over a hundred times (no exaggeration):

• "Yellow Rain" by Normal Hawaiians

• "Happiness" by Pyrolator

• "I Must Be Wrong" by Bane’s World

🎨🎭 Art

Art and I have a love-hate thing going on–maybe it's jealousy? But what would I do without it? Probably admin. Right now, I'm all about:

• Matthew Palladino

• David Rappeneau

• Alexis Jamet

• James Ronkko

🎬Ⓜ Film

Recently got a Mubi account (highly recommend) which has nudged me into watching films I wouldn’t typically choose. Mostly because I make excuses about subtitles after a long day or wanting something "mindless." But I'm learning to challenge that mindset. I spend a lot of my evenings alone, so now I pick films without watching trailers–it's broadened my horizons. And if I'm tired, well, there's always tomorrow to finish it.

Films that recently hit me in the feels:

• "Taste Of Cherry" by Abbas Kiarostami

• "Aloners" by Hong Sung-Eun

• "Drive My Car" by Ryusuke Hamaguchi

📕🗝 Books

Since I apparently love screens so much, I've dipped my toes into e-books to trick my brain into thinking I'm scrolling. Jury's still out on whether it's working. Currently reading "Entangled Life" by Merlin Sheldrake.

🥗🍱 Food

I love cooking, especially when it's just for me. I get to experiment with ingredients and flavours without feeling like a shy cook. I have been blessed with a gorgeous kitchen, which only adds to the experience. My diet's mostly fruits and veggies – roasted or tossed into salads. And I've mastered about eight ways to cook an egg.

My kitchen staples:

• Lao Gan Ma Crispy Chilli Oil (fry an egg in there–life-changing)

• Tenderstem Broccoli (fry in butter, steam with a lid, season)

• Butter Beans (trending, hello!)

• Parathas (pair with anything, sweet or savory)

• Tahini from the Turkish Bazaar in Bo-Kaap (great for veggies or sauces)

• Fresh herbs (except mint)

• Frozen blueberries

• Rye Bread (100%)