The Year That Was 2024

Another regular custom- a year end review of the year from my art perspective.  Perhaps not as long as my custom of eating Chinese food and watching a Twilight Zone marathon, but it's close, and that other one will happen, too. I started making notes for this when doing my annual Christmas letter, since this covers some of the same things.  But not all.

Prints- Better than last year.  By my count I finished one print, started and finished three other prints, and continued work on another one that will take me into next year.  And that doesn't include the Christmas card, which have mostly been distributed by now.  The prints that were started and finished were the latest three in the Robert Johnson series (bringing that up to a total of 6 completed) and the one I expect to finish next year is a boardwalk print started before Sandy, the block found this year, with more added over the past few months. 

Exhibitions- This number has been way down, a combination of the the effects of Covid-19 and my various illnesses, though things are starting to look up.  I was part of three exhibitions at my building in Ocean Grove, two building tenant exhibitions (both with my Johnson prints) and one of boardwalks (not new, but in frames and ready to go) mostly to fill wall space.  I did learn recently that the planned Nashville show is not likely to happen as planned, but the organizer tells me he is planning to show the prints at a print fair in Brooklyn in the spring, so this project may not be done yet.  I helped a former student by printing some woodcuts for a show she had in Asbury and as part of my payment she decided to put two of my prints in that show.  Not my first time exhibiting in Asbury Park, but any show in a commercial space is a good thing.  

Firsts- I was interviewed and taped for possible use in a local tv production about our building and artists. It hasn't aired yet, but perhaps it will in 2025.  Maybe I and my art will be a part of that.  

Teaching- Nothing is scheduled yet for the coming year.  

The Studio- A quick visit today showed me a small leak in the water heater that was installed for us when we moved in. (easier than bringing water to our space from the main water heater) It was reported and should be dealt with soon, and no damage done so far.  Mostly we use it (mostly at different times so I rarely see her) as a place to make art, which for me means sawing blocks, drawing, cutting, and printing blocks, framing completed prints for exhibitions, and some coloring.  Had a drawing session with a model there this past summer (not the first time, but the first in many years) and a place to show prints for future purchases (happened a few times last year, and may happen again in 2025).  Still feels like a good place to be.