I did a virtual storytime, art project, and Q & A with the Napa Bookmine. It's about 30 minutes long, and full of some great questions. We even did a show and tell with the drawings that we made. Naomi hosts, which is great, because she created the wonderful place that is the bookmine. I used to work there off and on and had the BEST time, met the coolest people, and can't thank the universe enough for such a wonderful community space. I hope you enjoy this storytime!
Ladies Who Launch...Again!
It's been a year since Carrie and I launched a kickstarter for The Spacious Tarot deck, and we just released a presale of a second run. This project has blown our minds as to how much people love it, want it, and so kindly support our work. It's really a dream project come true.
Carrie has recently posted a great article about using the Celtic Cross, which is great way to clear your mind and reflect on a current situation. It can be intimidating, but the cross gives you multiple points to ponder, and it's a classic spread as well so...gotta try it!
Carrie writes, "For better or worse, this was the first spread I learned when I began studying tarot. Mostly for worse, because this spread truly is a beast. Ten cards is a lot to grapple with when you’re a beginner! It was a bit like diving into the deep end before I’d learned to dog paddle. Due to memories of my own overwhelm when I was a beginner, when I’m teaching tarot I advise starting with smaller, three card spreads. But when you’re ready for it, the Celtic Cross can be a great source of insights and illumination!"
You can read more about how to use it on her website.
I've been getting back to some writing, especially poems. For a while there I didn't do much creative work beyond drawing for a couple clients. Personal creative time is NECESSARY and I know something's wrong when I don't make time for it. I'm glad to say I've moved through the anxiety to this new place of acceptance. I will say Tarot has helped. Friends and family have helped. Feeling all the feels has helped the most.
Here's to allowing and moving through!
-Annie
February
Winter always gets me. Even when I try my hardest to work with this slower, colder season, I feel like I'm born again out of a dark hole when the end of February arrives. My body finally wakes up, my heart opens, and I'm ready to take on the days ahead. Not the case in Winter. All I want to do is sleep and hunker down under ten blankets. Maybe I'm part bear??
February has been a great month, though. I wrapped up the final watercolors on my newest picture book. I'm so happy with how they turned out! I reflected recently on my first book, "The Three Things"- did a little post about it on Instagram and sold some copies. That was delightful, knowing my story would be read to some new children. I still LOVE this book with all my heart, and there aren't many copies left. I'm a bit bummed that I won't really be able to promo it anymore. But I'll always have a few copies on hand to do a reading!
Because I have renewed energy, I want to start making things again. Things that nourish me, things that require time and some ingredients; things that require a process. My first attempt at sourdough in a while is going well. I have yet to bake a loaf but the starter is lookin' alive! I'll let you know how it goes. I've had back luck in the past but I'm optimistic this time!
I'm also finishing up some custom art pieces for the platinum kickstarter folks of The Spacious Tarot. I've been sharing the progress on Instagram and talking about why I chose certain colors. Some are for stylistic reason, and some are to convey perspective or distance.
Lots of love, everyone. Spend time with the people you love and doing some things that bring you joy.
-Annie
My Dad, me, and my twin sister at a local farm.
Celebrating sisters
In a few days I will turn 33. It doesn't weird me out one bit. Not one...
Mid August, I started a painting class at my old community college in town, and as I gawk at the kids there, embarking on their educational path, I feel kind of ancient. This is silly because I'm not even in the "middle" of my life. I've just completed about a third of my life. I have so much to learn, and I'm honored to be in that class, but I guess perspective on how far I've come is also a useful tool.
That said, with 33, I'm happy to say that I've made it over a weird hump of frustration and confusion about what I'm supposed to do and how I'm supposed to live.
This I learned: THERE ARE NO RULES.
I was waiting for something spectacular to click the last 4 years. Like a kind of understanding of my sexuality, my talent, how status worked, and how to do a "good job", but no I think all that is just a ploy into buying stuff to make me think I'm doing it right and abiding by "the rules". Those magazines and their ads are so effective!
No no no, I'm always learning, trying my best, and will continue to do this. That's the only truth, and nothing will ever click except the seatbelt in my convertable of freedom that comes along with having NO IDEA what life is about. Ha!
I have a twin, by the way. She's amazing and smart and sassy, and she is a good mirror to me, showing me that there are lots of other humans going through the same things as I am, and maybe just sharing and hugging each other is all I need to do to feel sparks fly. And make art. That makes sparks fly, too.
I ALSO moved back to my hometown and I feel wildly grounded but also like a barefoot child with boundless appreciation of the oak trees and various fruit trees in my neighborhood. *I'm so happy to be home.
Spacious Process
Some have asked about how I go about illustrating the Spacious Tarot cards, so I thought I'd give an insider's look into the process. Until a month ago, I strictly used a Wacom cintiq, but I've since switched over to an ipad. I continue to work in Photoshop, however, so I recommend downloading astropad so you can work PS on your tablet.
Here's how I start. A sketch!
I love working with fake, digital pencil brushes because my heart flutters over texture. From there, Carrie and I talk about the composition and make sure it's clear what w'ere trying to communicate with each card.
Next I "ink" it and drop in basic color. I use Kyle Webster brushes, usually the "rough inker comics" brush and the "big wide softy" and "big fat spongy" thing to add a little sumin' sumin'.
As you can see, there's not a lot happening at this point, so from here I start adding darker tones and some lighter tones to create contrast.
We're getting somewhere! Once I can get here, then the rest feels like frosting a cake. I usually play with tones for a bit, but after that I add details and texture, focusing on strong lighting.
Believe it or not, this almost the finished card. After adding a couple more highlights and darker shadows to give it that "pop", I do a watercolor overlay, which ever card has, so that it feels organic and deep.
This is always where the magic happens for me. I love this particular overlay and the slight pink hue it gives to the card, bringing out the purples.
I hope you enjoyed seeing the 4 of cups in its many stages. See you soon!
-Annie