I've been trying to write this post for about a week and hopefully this is the final version. If I had been better about keeping my blog all caught up and current then it might not be necessary to do a giant end-o-the-year post but that's not the way this year has worked. Perhaps next year will be better......
With that said, here are a few of things I have managed to accomplish art-wise this year.
Valentine, 2013
The year started off with my 2013 Valentine print. I keep thinking that I'll stop doing them and yet somehow I always end up with "just one more". I do like the project and I generally really like the final prints. However, designing, printing and mailing 200+ Valentines every year is a giant task. That being said, the sketches have started for the 2014 valentine so if you aren't on my mailing list and would like to be, fill out the form here and I'll get you all set up. Sooner or later I may have to put a cap on the list but we haven't hit that point yet.
Valentine, 2013
36th Annual Art on Paper Exhibition, Maryland Federation of Art
In April of this year, my latest book "darts of love" was included in the Art on Paper exhibition at the MFA gallery in Annapolis, MD. Miriam DesHarnais (the talented author) and I both got a chance to speak about the work at the opening reception. The show was filled with wonderful pieces by artists from across the country. Since I was in such fine company, I was stunned to fine out that "darts" won a Merit Award!
Since then the book has sold well to both private collectors and libraries. I haven't given up on putting together a trade version, I just have not had a chance to sit down and really work through all of the details.
"darts of love" & I at MFA Art on Paper Exhibition
Furniture Press Projects
This year I also had the great fortune to continue my association with Furniture Press. I printed a cover for the second edition of "Day Cracks Between the Bones of the Foot" by Jesse Nissim. "Where to From Out" by Chris Mason was a fun new project and I am really happy with the way the final project turned out. These and other Furniture Press chapbooks are available in my shop.
Where To From Out, 2013 Text by Chris Mason
This year Furniture Press celebrated its 10th Anniversary. To celebrate this amazing milestone I created a special broadside print. There are still a few available, they can be purchased here.
Furniture Press 10th Anniversary Broadside, 2013
The Birds! Berlin, MD
In October I had several pieces included in a bird themed exhibition at the Berlin Coffee House in Berlin, Maryland. The show was curated by the fabulous Patti Backer. The opening was a blast and I loved the chance to explore Berlin. Hopefully there will be more such opportunities in the future!
The Birds! Berlin Coffee House
Pop's Short Stories
This was an odd project for me to take on and I really wasn't sure how it would turn out. Thom Shipley asked me to do these illustrations and after reading his charming short stories I agreed. I did make it clear that I was concerned since it has been awhile since I have tried my hand at black and white illustrations like this. Below you can check out some of the final drawings and the pencil sketches they were based on. The book is available on Amazon and I will have a few signed copies in my shop very soon.
Wedding Invitation
I don't often do this sort of thing but this summer I was thrilled to design and print wedding invitations for my lovely sister Hannah and her fiance Asher. I was given free rein but keeping Hannah in mind, this was my final result.
The wedding was very beautiful and I am excited to have Asher in the family!
Hannah and Asher Wedding Invitation
Hannah & Asher, Invite and response card
That's a quick run down of a few of my 2013 projects. I also drew a few drawings, painted a few paintings and was included in the City Paper Gift Guide but I can't cram everything into one blog post! This year has been full of change and unexpected surprises but all things considered, its been a pretty good one. I am looking forward to 2014 and really will make more of an effort to keep the site and blog up-to-date. Happy New Year to you all!!