A Day in Cincinnati with Artist Joya Logue
Cincinnati. It’s long been a touchstone for artists and culture-makers. The Grammy-nominated poet, Nikki Giovanni grew up there, along with Stephen Spielberg, and civil rights activist, Marian Spencer. It’s also the home of artist Joya Logue. She shares how she spends a classic day in her city.
Coffee
First things first, I start my day with coffee.
I love lighting a candle by Pyarful every morning. It was created by fellow Indian American , Krisa Tailor-Arora. The scent makes me nostalgic for the beautiful gardens of India. I especially love the Royal Rani with notes of Jasmine, Rose and Cypress.
Studio Time
You will often find me in my art studio donning my fave sweatshirt by friend, illustrator and activist Jen Vallez of Sophie & Lili. Initially Created to raise awareness and fundraising against U.S. Gun Violence, it’s a win-win for all things I’m sick of. I pair it with my new sneakers. I recently splurged on a pair of Paul Green sneakers while in London. They’re like walking on a stylish cloud!
Pastry Break
I’m always up for a Pastry break at local fave two seven two. They’re the sister bakery and second cafe to Brown Bear Bakery by my friend and pastry chef, Blair Fornshell.
Cooking at Home
Then it’s back to home where I’m cooking up dinner recipes (with the freshest spices) by Diaspora Co for the fam. My current fave cookbook right now is Thali by Maunika Gowardhan titled Thali: A Joyful Celebration of Indian Home Cooking.
or Cafe Mochiko
And if we head out, Cafe Mochiko is on our rotation. It’s an all day Asian American cafe owned by chefs Elaine Uykimpang Bentz and Erik Bents. The cafe is a kind of love letter to Chef Elanie’s childhood experience growing up in two different worlds. I can relate.
Alone Time with a Book
To end my day, I’m usually stealing some alone time and flipping through one of my new books from my travels! Unique bookstores, especially secondhand are my fave, like the Ohio Book Store here in Cincinnati, Myopic Books in Chicago, Ofr. when I’m in Paris for work, and Bahrisons Booksellers when I’m in Delhi.
You can find Joya on Instagram @rajovilla where she shares her art & travels througout India and Paris.
