I'm not a content creator, I'm an artist. I don't pressure myself to keep a regimented schedule to pump out new material, I enjoying hunting and gathering for my inspiration and that takes time. As you can see from my track record over the last two years blogging, once May hits - I'm out of here. I try to use social media less during the late spring and summer, living in the moment is my greatest source of inspiration. I do my best work when I fit in the gaps during a fun day of hiking, kite flying, snacking, Murder She Wrote marathons, music making and stargazing. Be kind to yourself, take breaks - you don't have to earn them! Try making work outside of your desk, I've been having a great time this summer plein air painting by the river - that is, when the AQI is good enough to be outside.

Please keep our Canadian friends in your hearts while their beautiful Boreal forests are on fire and donate to wildfire relief funds, especially those that support Indigenous communities. If you're unable to donate, boost the message to your network, friends and family who can. I'm working on publishing a zine about air quality this summer, however it's taking longer than expected because living with the stress of monitoring our AQI around the clock has taken a lot out of us, can't imagine the insurmountable, horrendous stress being in it's inescapable path causes.

Recently I've been writing the best song yet in my hammock. Hoping to record some new songs later this summer and sell them on Bandcamp. All proceeds will go to Canadian wildfire relief funds that directly benefit Indigenous and Arctic communities.

I created a new zine: 5 Ways to Beat Creative Block. It's a one page zine that you can download from the Free Zines to Print page, I've also included directions on how to fold and cut it so you can print it up at home or office. Gobble up that free paper, yeahh! 

This strategy has certainly helped me create way more art this year than I would've if I had let myself get caught up in overthinking what should be a simple process for me to chill: pushing around paint, doodling comics, experimenting with different patches on my synth. Hope this helps quell the naysayers that live inside your brain and enables you to get back to enjoying the art making process in the new year.