Hi Reader,

It feels like too much time has passed since we last caught up. It's been years since I've seen you in person or heard your voice. Believe it or not, I think of you and wonder about your day when you read this. Are you feeling happy? A little sad? or maybe both? I hope that it's a good day for you. We need more of those more often.

I've been away from everything I grew up with for almost four years. It's strange how time feels like it stands still and flashes past me at the same time on the same day. I'm truly thankful I can keep in touch with you and shorten some of the distance between us. Change is scary. Leaving my nest brought so many worries. I wondered, "Will I be safe?" "Will I fail and have to return right away?" I certainly didn't expect to find a different kind of happiness. Perhaps the happiest that I can remember. For the first time, I feel free to be myself. To be weird, nerdy, and imperfect without judgment. I wouldn't have known I would be ok without letting go of the comfortable and familiar.

Pieces of April:

Feelings Through Comics:

Studio Happenings:

Outside of e-mail, I've been (mostly) unplugged for a few weeks. I needed to regain my centeredness. The more external input I absorb, the more out of alignment I become with who I am. What helps you find your way back home to yourself again? How do you recognize when you're out of alignment with who you want to be?

Some new pieces blossomed during the break.

I've been coming home to myself during the break by simplifying how much information I consume, mainly from social media. I've used the extra head space to play and experiment with mixed-media art techniques. Making things with my hands is incredibly freeing and therapeutic. At the same time, it's healthy to step away from how I always work. That requires another level of letting go. I've been adding digital touches here and there. It has been pushing my comfort level and the potential of the work. Letting go means becoming comfortable with uncertainty. Otherwise, it quickly becomes a source of suffering.

Creativity requires uncertainty. I can't predict where everything I do will lead. I've learned to focus on whether I'm enjoying the journey. The more I can let go the freer my work becomes. More playful. More experimental. More authentic. I believe what we create is a mirror into our hearts. What does your heart need right now? Today?

I've shared the step-by-step instructions of the process on my newly created "Art School" hosted on Patreon. I'm still brainstorming an official name. My process continues to evolve to stay in balance with my life's circumstances (see below).

Thank you so much for gifting me with your precious time and attention. Don't forget to write back! Let me know what you're up to. I truly appreciate you.