Burst Reach #37

I've been trying something new lately: going out and being more social. Sounds wild, right?

First, I've been out promoting my upcoming figure drawing workshop which is now two weeks away, mostly by taking flyers wherever I can in Bristol and Abingdon. It's a bit scary, putting myself out there like that, walking into shops I hardly visit and asking if they'll put one up for me, but it's led to some good conversations, and in one case led to me scheduling another workshop somewhere else in August. It's also been a good reason to actually go look at the local art we have in shops and galleries around here, a quiet way to get deeper into the community.

I also attended a city meeting about a forthcoming community arts center that's going to be established, went to a queer-centered craft and chill event, and most recently went to a sip and sketch event at a local cidery. Just…trying to be more present as a local artist and as someone trying to build up their own online community to try to support others like myself.

Here’s a picture I took of the Jersey Devil painting I was working on at the sip and sketch, sitting across from the legendary artist Eric Drummond Smith, a good friend and delightful guy to chat with:

I've also started playing the Digimon Trading Card Game every week at a local card shop after being gently nudged into it by a friend. I'm bad at it, and everyone who shows up is far more experienced and playing with high level decks as they practice for a big regional tournament next month. Meanwhile I'm struggling with a couple starter decks I've barely altered. I'm still figuring it all out, it's a little overwhelming, but the people are super nice and I'm having a great time trying and learning something new with new people that doesn't involve staring at screens.

My new job at a bookstore is the first in-person public facing job I've really had in a long time. I don't get a lot of hours, the pay is lousy, I don't think it's sustainable at all, but it's fairly chill and I'm enjoying it for the time being. Hilariously, some folks have recognized me as a local artist, but at the same time I also had someone ask if I went to a school I've never been to and last week someone mistook me for a teenager.

I'm a weird introverted hermit who is often very awkward in person, and these experiences aren't really going to change that, but I spent roughly a year working from home, never leaving my office, and I know I need this. I need to be more present in our community and help others where I can.

Anyways.

This Saturday is the Saucers Over Appalachia Festival here in Bristol, and I've cranked out some new work for it. I also got asked to do the poster for the after-party happening at Elderbrew. I'm stoked. I claimed a killer mod dress that Ashley was getting rid of and I plan on wearing it then. Some friends and I have already made plans to set up together, too. It'll be a good time!

I don't feel quite prepared for the figure drawing workshop happening later, but I'm working on it. We met up last weekend for a practice session where I attempted to rough out what I wanted to draw and discuss for a quick demonstration. It was weird and difficult: I knew breaking the models’ forms down into simple shapes was important, especially for teaching newcomers, but over a decade of experience and instinct was screaming at me as I attempted it. I was honestly fighting myself the whole time, making myself stop simply drawing the models as I saw them and doing those shapes?

I also have to just accept that I am a cartoonist above all things, focused on inked lineart. If someone asks about shading and rendering, they're gonna be out of luck. It'll be fine though…I think.

I’ve got two new things up on Planet Nude, for those who missed them. First, I got to write about some comics by the incredible, legendary trans sci-fi/fantasy artist Jeffrey Catherine Jones. I’m Age is a favorite comic of mine, her work is transcendent, and it’s criminal how often she gets overlooked, and how when people do write about her, they continue to misgender her and/or just ignore her transitioning altogether, when it’s so clearly deeply tied to the work she made. I hope I was able to do her justice.

Also, for paid subscribers, a new Asada & Mischa strip went up yesterday! The strip will be publicly available this Sunday.

And that’s it. I’ve got another busy week ahead as I prepare for the UFO festival and some other things, and I’m trying to ignore the Switch 2 that I managed to buy last week, so let’s get to it. Take care of yourselves!