Happy November!
Hi, friends,
I want to start this newsletter with an acknowledgement of the ongoing genocides in Palestine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan.
It would be so easy for us all to look away, especially those of us here in the so-called US, but we can't. These atrocities are inextricably linked to the white supremacy and ongoing occupation of Indigenous lands here in the so-called US. Our money, our labor that creates profits, our entire system makes us culpable when our government uses it all to fund and support genocide.
If you're able to, please join me in pressuring our government officials to stop it. Name it, bear witness, call your representatives, attend protests (wearing KN95 or N95 masks), boycott and divest, do whatever you can to voice your support for the people who need us to act.
We are always connected, and by refusing to act now, we harm not only others but ourselves.
If you're looking for some ways to take action, here are some resources for Palestine. I'm still learning about the other two countries and how we can support them; if you have any trusted sources on how we can do so, please do share them.
And finally, if you or your loved ones have been directly (or indirectly) impacted by these horrors, I send you my deepest condolences. No one should ever experience this, and I'm sorry that you and yours are.
And my apologies for jumping straight into business as usual after this; please know that regardless of what I'm sharing publicly, my mind is always on this issue, and I'm working privately to do what I can to help.
Shop Update
The shop has reopened! While I won't be offering prints for the foreseeable future, I've decided that doesn't mean I can't offer original art and copies of my Disabled Witches art book!
Here's a look at my newest paintings to the shop: The Goddess Trilogy.
The series was first inspired by my research into Bronze Age Ireland, which you can see with this first piece featuring a lunula around the goddess's neck. The first piece was intended as a study done in my sketchbook, but I decided to create two more, exploring more of these ideas of fatness, natural elements, and disability.
Given that it was initially done in my sketchbook, this piece comes with an unintended bonus piece on the back, a colored pencil sketch of an unrelated figure.
I think the second piece in the series is my favorite because of how much movement and emotion it conveys. I go back and forth in my mind with the emotion being conveyed here: some days I'm certain it's fury, and others I'm certain it's pain. I think, though, that it's both.
After all, is fury not frequently derived from pain?
I really enjoyed experimenting with mushrooms sprouting from a time keeping goddess, as if she were so ancient that she had become like an oak, ever present through time, where mushrooms took root.
I also love how the ink turned out in these pieces. It's always so pleasurable for me to turn to paint with black ink-- it's such a velvety sensation, and I love that it makes a piece feel like it's yawning into space. I think it pairs really well with the gold watercolors, too.
Commissions Open
I'm pleased to share that my commissions list is open! If you're interested in commissioning an original piece of art in time for the upcoming holiday season, I have two slots available for guaranteed delivery for US commissioners if commissioned by November 10th.
I'm also available for commissions not tied to the holidays, too!
Please get in touch with me by replying to this email with a brief description of what you’re looking for, your budget, and any relevant timeline information.
Announcement
So I want to share that I'm now one of the co-managers of the Cartoonist Cooperative's Members and Volunteers Newsletter, along with fellow Co-op member Haley Boros! The public newsletter is run by our fellow Co-op member AdamP. I share this both for transparency and because I'm very excited to be helping out in a more regular way with the Co-op.
Haley and I will be alternating months, with my first official monthly newsletter going out today, and it's JAM PACKED with goodies! We share resources, opportunities, benefits and discounts, exclusive events, support for projects, and so much more. If you're a comic artist, writer, or supporter and haven't joined the Cooperative yet, I can't encourage you enough to check it out!
Here's a quick illustration I made of the Co-op's mascots, Inkling and Nibford, for Halloween!
Personal Update
In some personal news, and in an attempt to be more open about myself, this month has been a difficult one. My partner's department may be getting laid off in the coming weeks, so the plans I had for this month got scrambled into a hectic combination of preparing for job hunting, preparing for a potential out-of-state move months earlier than we'd been anticipating, continuing my leadership role with FAN and my new position with the Co-op, finding a new doctor again (my PCP is leaving this month), and other issues.
It's been a lot.
I've been feeling really down about not being able to meet my goals for making more comics this month for y'all (and for my portfolio as I apply to more opportunities), marketing, or even just saying hi to people online, but I'm reminding myself that sometimes life just happens. It doesn't mean I don't care about making art-- just means I have a lot more on my plate than I could handle at once.
I just wanted to share that here in case anyone was wondering where I've been the last few weeks and in case anyone else could use a reminder that it's okay if they let some things slide publicly while working on things offline. I am hoping things will even out enough for me to get back online more regularly again soon. I hope to see you all there!
Comics Read in October
Most of these are from the ShortBox Comics Fair, which ended yesterday, so I've linked to the artists' websites instead so you can check for them there in the future!
A Few of My Favorite Things
the leaves outside changing to rust and gold
these delicious cranberry orange scones (I tripled the zest and substituted orange extract in place of vanilla, and I didn't make the glaze)-- seriously, I've made them twice this month lol
helping out with the Fat Artist Network and Cartoonist Co-op
my incredible spreadsheet making skills (I can't show you bc they're for those groups, but TRUST me, they're downright beautiful! 😂)
all the comics I got at the ShortBox Comics Fair!
See You Next Time!
That's all for today! I hope you have a cozy November, stay safe, and spend time with your loved ones 💖 I'll talk to you soon!
If you enjoy this newsletter, please consider supporting my work on Patreon, where I share more behind the scenes looks at my work and life in general, previews of illustrations + works in progress, and other rewards for $5 a month. Sharing this newsletter with a friend is also a great way to support my work!
Thanks for reading! 💖
With love,
they/them