To cheer my friends this week I shared a page from my published sketchbook and added this short story:
Spike Prickly had always wanted to float in a hot air balloon but biology had thoughts on such ambitions. Fortunately, with the help of friends who were experimenting with magical strawberries, Spike's dream eventually came true.
On another day I shared another drawing from my published sketchbook and wrote this short story:
Hen bravely decided to leave her marks on the world - though they may only be small scratches on the chicken coop wall they'd still be there as encouragement for when another chicken wonders if they dare...
As I recall the porcupine had been a challenge to draw so this week during several different breakfasts I tried drawing another porcupine. And yes I looked at my breakfast orange slices as a model for the porcupines unicycle wheel.
During a third days breakfast I finished it.
Here's the story I wrote and shared along with a scan of my finished drawing:
Despite prejudices against beings with last names like "Prickly", Spike Prickly practiced every day some activity that might smooth the world's sharpness.
This week I learned that one of my favorite authors, Tom Robbins, has died1. I've read and reread his work since I “discovered” him in the late 1980's. I own much-thumbed copies of every book he wrote. I got to see and talk to him in person one time and was able to correspond via postal mail more than a few times. To say he has been an influence on my own artwork is to speak a plain-as-the-nose-on-your-face truth. Here's a look at my Tom Robbins bookshelf.
My friend
has a wonderful video tribute to Tom Robbins here:
As Margot says Tom Robbins is the antidote for the current shit show. Tom's writing has certainly been the antidote I've reached for during difficult times in my past.
It's hard to say which is my favorite book by Robbins - they've all had their turn on the “thanks, I needed that” favorite status - but the comfort book I've carried like a talisman or teddy bear most often when I've had difficulties (doctors visits, funerals, need-to-get-away-trips, etc) has been Half Asleep In Frog Pajamas.
As an example of how important that book is to me: when our Fairy Goddaughter wanted to borrow it I bought a second copy that I could loan to her! This copy is staying with me! It has all my margin notes - and a leaf from the first flowers my wife
gave to me 29 years ago!
Here are some of my handwritten notes inspired over the years by the work of Tom Robbins. These are my own thoughts and not quotes from him.
I'm currently rereading Still Life With Woodpecker by Robbins and it feels like a soothing hot shower for my mind.
Here's another sketchbook page from an earlier published sketchbook that I reread this week and shared for the uplift in it.
Art is necessary to human life and so are friends. Art and friends go together like bread and butter, like toast and jam, like pens and paper.
Let's be here for each other - even if it's just with a silly text message or postcard. As Tom Robbins said, his motto which I've taken to heart, “joy in spite of everything.”
My most recently published 144 page sketchbook is available in print here or as a downloadable ebook for paid subscribers here. Your encouragement and financial support is appreciated!
Obituary for Tom Robbins in the Seattle Times https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/obituaries/robbins-bestselling-pnw-novelist-dies-at-92/
Thank You! Happy Valetines, Galentines, and Palentines to all who celebrate!
Art as an act of resistance! Love that!