I am Terri

Vintage sepia-toned photo of a smiling baby wearing a light-colored outfit.

Picture this: It's 1998, and I'm leaving my job at (insert international conglomerate here) to move from my native New York City to Tokyo. 13 boxes and my bicycle. Asked to make the move by the band (Pizzicato Five) that I was managing at the time with my best bud.

Artistic illustration of a person with intricate line work, wearing a pendant and earrings. Next to them is a cartoon-like face and a pink flower with the text "hey! stop living only in your head!"

and then…

My East Village neighbors think I'm crazy. My colleagues say I'm throwing away my career. But I've always felt compelled to zig when the world says zag.

I'm tokyoterri – born in Harlem, raised in Queens, Brooklyn, and the East Village, and now watching America from the eclectic creative scene in my little apartment.

If you’re here, you might agree with me that the U.S. right wing chaos is unspeakable. The distance gives me perspective, but it doesn't make me any less invested in our collective future.

Here's what I've learned: when times feel dark, creativity isn't just an escape - it's resistance. It's the preservation of spirit. It's the gentle rebellion that starts with a journal entry, a blog post, or a phone call (remember those ?) and builds into something bigger. Something that can change minds, touch hearts, and yes, maybe even change the world.

I spent decades unconsciously using creativity to bridge cultures - from Queens block parties to Harlem’s Weusi Nyumba Ya Sanaa to Tokyo's meticulous craftspersonship.

I believe that the most powerful changes often start with the smallest acts of creative courage.

Each week, I'm bringing you a cobalt blue glass full of that rebellious spirit, straight from my tiny Tokyo apartment to wherever you are. Because even when you feel powerless, you can still create. Even when you're exhausted by the headlines, you can still find joy. And sometimes, that's the most radical act of all.

Abstract drawing of a person with closed eyes next to a multicolored flower, featuring purple and orange petals.
  • On Substack, basically. I publish short thoughts on Bluesky.

    I write about creativity and consistency, my own experiences and resources, how my creative practice helps me deal with societal madness in the U.S., support my communities, and more.

  • TikTok more than anywhere else, at the moment, but I am ramping up on YouTube as well.

  • I am not going to tell you that, curious internet stranger, lol! I am probably working, either for someone else, or creating for myself. Possibly for you! Subscribe to me where you find me, and lets connect that way.🙇🏾‍♀️