Winter Light

This is the third winter for the cardinal nest in the bush outside my studio window. It has remained intact through many storms and has at various times been a hang for chipmunks and mice. Earlier today I saw 3 bald eagles flying over the river near my house through the snow and mist. Birds are amazing.

The Canada Post strike is over, so I have relaunched my Big Cartel webstore. There is a selection of prints and recently completed originals. To keep it fresh, I’m planning to shuffle the offerings each month, so keep your eye on it. 

My latest drawing (above) is an ink piece that I will colour with transparent acrylic inks. I actually started it last fall when I pencilled several pieces as a way of restoring my focus after a creatively sluggish summer. The strategy worked, letting me finish the year with a burst (flurry) of creative energy. Knowing that I wouldn’t be starting cold with each new piece allowed some flow. I’m going to use that same approach for 2025. With so many demands on attention it helps to have little tricks to stay focused.

I spent 2024 cursing and revising my 4th novel—I’m still working on it but I feel good enough about my progress to entertain hopes of submitting it this spring or early summer. Last year, I had a moment—well more than a moment—of wondering if I should I be splitting my creative time between writing and art. A crisis, of confidence or mission—something. In the end, I decided that writing was too important to give up. It’s creatively fulfilling in a way that’s different from visual art. I’ve learned not to be overly ambitious, but my writing goals for this year are to finish this book, submit it, and start a new one. I also have a couple of novella length pieces that I hope to produce as illustrated & numbered Radiolaria Studios chapbooks to be offered through my webstore. Wish me luck and let me know if you have a lead on a good agent!

If you are in the London area, please check out my work at the Benz Gallery. It’s a beautiful space with really excellent work. I have a couple of pieces there that I am sure Greg would love to sell. 

Happy New Year all, and thanks for following.

Richard

PS. This is Pumpkin. She joined our story in September and is settling in wonderfully. She also likes birds.