We just wrapped up an astrological event called a stellium. That’s when three or more planets align in one sign at the same time. (This recent stellium was in Aries, which was awesome for me.) Here on planet earth, I had a sort of stellium, as well: three events happening at the same time where you could find my work!
Love Letter to Riso
If you haven’t stopped into Sonny’s House yet, you still have time to take in their current gallery show: Love Letter to Riso. Outlet, local riso print studio, and Sonny’s House create the best collabs. The work on display uses all of the colors Outlet has on offer, with contributions from artists who are frequent flyers at Outlet. When I went to the opening, I immediately fell for the big red piece that Bailey made. That went home with me and got right up on the wall.
I have a piece on display, myself! The colors that Outlet chose to print it in are so lovely. This show is on display until the end of May! Go check it out, and take a piece home with you <3
Signing at Phoenix Comics
This spring, I got an email from Phoenix Comics in Seattle inviting me to do a book signing for their Free Comic Book Day event! I got to spend the afternoon meeting all the fine folk of the Seattle area in Cap Hill (fave neighborhood, duh). And right next to me were Willow and Keezy, who were so charming and great to chat with all day. We each have different approaches to comics, and I peppered my cohorts with questions about their practice in between waves of people.
The staff at Phoenix Comics are so attentive, and we were well cared for. The shop is really cool, and I can tell they cultivate an engaged community. Everyone who came to say hi, or just got introduced to my work at the event, really boosted the mood. You all were so kind! Thank you for stopping by and picking up some books!
I had a moment at the signing where I paused, reflected, and appreciated that I get to do something so cool for my work. It’s a precarious kind of life, and I think the worries get in the way of feeling fully immersed in the joy of it from time to time. But as I’ve said in other posts, my goal for this year is to return to joy and to let my younger self speak up. Talking with Willow especially brought that concept to the surface while sitting behind the table, signing books.
I’m also grateful for all the friends I have in Seattle, ones who came to bring me a drink, gave me a place to sleep, stopped by for a chat, got a bite to eat, and the ones who I missed since I was there for such a brief time. For a city I don’t even live in, to be surrounded by friends, that’s something that I’m very grateful for. I’m lucky!!
I also think it’s really funny that Fawnduu came up in conversation two or three times, whether that was someone buying a copy of Big Cats alongside my work, or someone recognizing her name from a quote on the back of Amira the Van Life Cunt, or someone getting us confused for each other (this literally happens at least once per event). To steal Courtney’s joke, she has a great audience in WA even though she’s not a local. She’s like Big Foot. Many have stories of Courtney-sightings, but she is not there.
Seattle Erotic Arts Festival
My one downside to that weekend was the scheduling conflict with the Seattle Erotic Arts Festival! I believe someone I met at NYCC had told me about this festival, though I’m sure multiple people have told me about it over the seasons. I did not have time to attend, but I did have work in the show! I submitted three comics to the show, several copies of Amira Issues 1+2 and Howl. They were practically sold out by the end of Saturday!
I didn’t know what to expect when submitting work to that show, since I had never attended. My assumption was that it is a show primarily dedicated to fine art and performance art, and maybe other arts, as well, but comics are mysterious. I never know what to expect when trying new events. But my comics did well! To whomever purchased my work there, thank you!
The organizers for SEAF were very thorough and communicative and organized. I would gladly submit work again, and hopefully I’ll be able to attend next year! I’d love to see what my region’s fellow horn dogs are making.
This blog post was long overdue, and it is also postponing my write up of the Alaska Comics Camp. That will be coming soon!!