Thankfully I was not wearing wax coated feather wings… and this is just an analogy for a overcommitted artist who is (as the kids say) crashing out.

The last two months have been a careful planning and execution of every single minute of my day having a task linked to the broader long term goal I continue to aim to meet. Typically starting at 5am I would wake and enjoy a breakfast made by my sweet Vaimo, fuel myself with several cups of coffee and then work until well past dinner time taking few breaks in between.

This sort of pace is one I’ve been familiar with at different points in my life, but not in recent memory do I know of an 8-10 week stretch where this was my reality day in and day out. I knew I was headed for trouble, but still thought I could keep flying.

I pushed and pushed (while trying my best to keep tending to my body, resting in short stints, connecting with nature.) Though these efforts toward more balance on the self-care front were valiant and better than I’ve ever done before, I received great feedback in the form of a panic attack that it wasn’t enough.

LOL SOB

So, there you have it. I flew too close to the sun and got burnt. But at least, unlike Icarus I’ve landed on my feet and am in pretty good spirits all things considered. My wings are singed and I’m beyond burnt out (crispy) and it’s a great opportunity for me to reflect on what went right and what didn’t go so well.

As I round the bend toward my birthday in mid-November I am thinking about my annual goal setting and planning for 2026. I’m thinking some big changes are in order! What would it look like to just rest for a whole year? Truly sounds so delightful!

Material Mythos OPENED!!!

Last night Material Mythos officially kicked off with an artist reception. The Duo Show my friend Ilaamen and I have been working on for a year and a half debuted in Fergus Falls, MN at the Kaddatz Galleries.

It was a great time and a great crowd came to learn about the works and the show. Thank you all for attending and for those who missed it, the show will remain up through the rest of 2025.

I miss the pieces already. It’s such a change to be living with paintings for years and then all of a sudden they’ve fled the nest.

But, I am going to keep working on these quilted paintings even as I have received a grant rejection to support the purchase of my own long arm quilt machine. I am nothing if not tenacious. And, in the meantime my home sewing machine has been a real workhorse and I’m excited to learn more about garment sewing and continuing to embellish my own clothes.

Shop Updates

I have finally had a minute to update my shop! As you’re thinking about holiday gifting opportunities I hope you will consider an Art of KCF original painting to add to your or a loved one’s collection. All of the remaining Queericana paintings are now available for purchase and looking for loving homes.

Of course, if you can’t afford a painting, become a member of the Art of KCF Ko-Fi Club! Special perks include first looks at paintings, behind the scenes WIP and special discounts on my larger works. Right now my members have a 10% discount that they can use toward any purchase! For as little as $3/month you too could support this fever dream!

See you next week!