Back from Hiatus

The dogs’ footpath. Maybe I should use my skis rather than a shovel?

I spent the past 2+ weeks in Pennsylvania catching up with family and friends, some that I haven’t seen in 12 years. It was really encouraging to know that I still have a huge network of support where I grew up, in addition to the group of friends here that I call my “Colorado family.”

It snowed just a bit when I was at my parents’ house, where everything freezes and gridlocks with just a little bit of slush. When I returned to Winter Park were at least 20 fresh inches on the ground—and stairs (above)—and more is on the way. All I have to say is, “it’s about time.” This being a la niña year, temperatures have been generally warm and precipitation very weak. I am looking forward to some powder days before I head onto my next adventure, wherever that will be.

At the moment I am looking for work. Any kind of work. Due to the aforementioned conditions, in addition the economic crisis, my ski industry clients have cut their marketing budgets to pennies on the dollar. I have educational illustration projects coming up in late March, but until then… Got art? Want art? Need help? Hiring?

Meanwhile, I am working on my picture book manuscript, “Time to Fly.” I also have a few other book ideas brewing in my brain that will require some serious research. I plan to apply for as many grants and fellowships as I can to get these projects off the ground. Oh, and you know, to buy things like bread. And wine.

So to all you artists, illustrators, designers and creatives out there who are struggling to make ends meet right now… you are NOT alone. However, this should not stop us from creating, now should it. Our artistic endeavors are needed more than ever in this time of depression and despair. Inspiration is in the air. The government has called upon each of us as citizens to bring prosperity back to our country. What can we do to help? That’s something else I have begun to explore. Got ideas?