I’ve spent the past few years making books. My calendar is full of book deadlines. It’s become somewhat of a joke among my close friends “How many books are you working on right now?” My answer is usually four (with a few in waiting). As I approach the release of my next book, What Will My Story Be, my fourth pandemic release, I realized the work has become quite lonely. I know this feeling isn’t unique. Without in person book launches, conferences or connecting with readers, making books is difficult. Many of my books take years to make and releasing them has felt like baking a deflated soufflé.
As I was languishing in my pity party (fully recognizing there are larger problems in the world) it dawned on me that it’s been over 2 years since I’ve made personal art. I’m always drawing on deadline. Books, freelance, or promotional art fills my days. The dissonance I feel is due to the pandemic but also this absence of art for art’s sake. So I decided that a couple times a week I will allow myself to create without purpose. Some I will share and some I will keep for myself.
The above is an hour quick draw. I didn’t know what would come of it. I was thinking about current events and feeling surrounded by storms. And reminding myself that there’s still beauty and love. There’s still a path forward.
I hope you’re all weathering your storms and finding love in these tumultuous times.
