Small and Simple Things

 

I believe that through small and simple things great things can be brought to pass.

A little over six years ago, I was approached to create a mural. I started working on it with an artistic fervor, but as things often turn out, for various reasons beyond mine and the clients control, the city never approved the project. I had a love for it and wanted to see something completed. So I continued to work on it. 2 weeks ago, after over 6 years of putting in 15 minutes here and and 20 minutes there, finding time between class prep, teaching, family, and other responsibilities I finally finished it. The illustration will now be on display for 9 months in the first ever Vermont State University Faculty Art Exhibit. 

It was through many small individual drawings small moments of time over many years that this came to pass.

The opening exhibit is in the Quimby Gallery at the VTSU Lyndon campus on Thursday, September 3 at 6:00. In October it will travel to Castleton, then Johnson in January, and will complete its tour of the campuses in Randolph in the spring.

Some Thoughts on Setting Goals

 At the beginning of the year, I realized I was not drawing enough. I set a goal to complete 1 illustration a week. So far, I have been doing really well, just 3 weeks behind. Some would say I am not meeting my goal, in a sense this is true. But I like to look at it a different way. I have now completed 22 illustrations that would not have been done. That is pretty impressive.

This one is an example of a worms eye view. It is part of my series of different of camera shots that I am using in my Visual Narrative class (I am also illustrating my own images for my classes instead of using others work).

Progress

There is great value to working on something slowly over time. Years ago I was asked to create a mural. As stated earlier, for various reasons this project had been sidelined (There is new hope that it will be seen on a wall). Despite the setbacks, I continued to work on it. I added a character here and there working on it a few minutes almost every day.  

Now, after years of small updates, the image is getting closer to being finished. Still not happy with the background colors of fall and summer and I still have a number of Vermont animals to add to the Fall section. but it is coming along.

I moved the grey fox to the winter portion and I am working on a new tractor to place in the Fall. I think it will be driven by a Labrador retriever. I am also trying to decide if the cow should be jumping over the moon (not sure if I want to go that cliche).

It feels good to have this much done.

Happy Holidays!

 I hope that everyone on can find some peace and rest this holiday season.

This year's holiday illustration is from a sketch I made of the Eltz Castle from my visit to Germany in the Spring of 2026.

Faculty Spotlight

 With all the work I have been doing for the Twilight Players, The university I work at wrote up a Faculty Spotlight on me.

It can bee seen here 

It is good to be recognized on occasion.

My latest Theatrical Endeavors

Last Spring a group of students at Vermont University, Lyndon campus made a leap of faith and trust in me as the supported me in writing and directing an original adaptation of Hamlet. Over the past 2 and a half months I watched close to 30 students take an idea and make it their own. They took what I penned to paper and saw so much more than I could ever dream in the characters, costuming, lights, sound, props and set. Every night, I got to watch the audience leave happy because of what they did. I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity to work with so many fine and gifted people.

Updating a Logo

I believe in giving back. I believe in helping others.

This past year, I had the privilege of supporting the East Burke School, an institution that has significantly benefited my family. I undertook a project to refine their existing logo, delivering more versatile and impactful versions for their use. While the modifications were subtle, they notably enhanced the logo's overall aesthetic and usability. I was a grateful to have the opportunity to give back to this dedicated group of educators, especially given the exceptional educational experience East Burke School provided for our three oldest children.

The Refined Logo

The Original Logo