12 MAY 2020 My name is Lenworth McIntosh, but you can call me Joonbug. Originally from Jamaica, West Indies and, having lived there, Florida and Texas, I am now based in Oakland, California. I feel I've had “the eye” from birth and drawing was my first way of showing how I saw. Over the years other mediums like painting, graphic design, and photography have been added to further establish my vision. At my core, I’m an old man inspired by nostalgic memories and a balanced way of being. It’s what my work reflects; I learned that from my grandfather.

I went into it anticipating vast amounts of time to self-reflect and reset but was met with anxiety and high volumes of work, which was the reality for many of us. My solo show was canceled with Part 2 Gallery, but with some quick thinking we did a virtual show that was widely successful. I’m grateful there’s still support for my work in these times—art is essential. On a personal tip, it has been helpful focusing my energy inwards, tracing my anxiety back to the source to solve it at the root; I’ve learned more about myself.

Rearranging my space with intentional stations helped me compartmentalize my mind and eased my anxiety; a simple spring cleaning. My girlfriend also got me into yoga and I have enjoyed the restorative side of it.

Heart-to-heart conversations with my housemates. This time has given us moments of supreme bonding and vulnerability.

The new world. The manifestation of ideas that came about during this pandemic that will propel us to more humbling achievements in our humanity.

My website, www.bugs87.com. I’m also on the gram with three accounts— @thebugs87, @freshkaufee, @Shutterbugs87, and a member of @nure.co, art collective, here in Oakland.