Oh...

 

I feel much better now.

The Scorpion Farmer

 I'm thinking about writing an allegorical story about the declining status of an unnamed superpower, which descends into tribalism, fascism and ignorance in a startlingly short period of time after the election of an anti-democratic, misogynistic sociopath to the highest office of the land.  It will be called "The Scorpion Farmer" and I'm visualizing the last chapter -- the cruel farmer lies writhing on the dusty ground, having finally been toppled by millions of the irate, stinging scorpions he has mistreated and misled over the years.  In a rippling wave of pain and death, they swarm the screaming, prostrate figure, extracting revenge for all of the destruction and death caused by the cruel, sociopathic farmer.  Final scene:  the farmer's old red hat lying battered and torn, the only thing now visible on the hard, rocky ground.

Or maybe not...

The War President

Narragansett

Instead of my usual snarky new year's poem, I'm starting this year with a gentle little book.  This is "Narragansett," an accordion-style artist's book I created from cardboard drink coasters, some left-over scraps of nautical maps, and document repair tape in late 2025.  (4x4," opens to 24"). This book is travelling to Kalamazoo, MI right now, to be part of the annual Illustrated Accordion exhibition at Kalamazoo Book Arts Center. 

I was thinking about the sea.

Salud, 2026

 New Year's Eve, the last day of a bitch of a year.

Good riddance 2025, you were painful in many ways,

evil and banality in high places,

greed and tribalism in abundance,

dear ones gone too soon.

Salud, 2026!

Please be kind.

Music Box

 A friend requested that I do something (no specified requirements!) on a large tintype.  He has collected a number of these from artist friends -- he supplies the tintype, with his only stipulation being that only the background can be worked on, not the central image.  I originally considered painting some wild, Rousseau-type "wallpaper" on my tintype, but no...this lady had a story to tell.  So we told it.

"Music Box" watercolor pencil, paint & collage on tintype, 2025

Some Fall Exhibitions

 Some of my books are appearing in far-flung places this fall:

        In Rochester, NY, the 2025 showing of the Art of the Book is opening, and I am delighted to have two pieces on view there.  "People I Know, People I Don't Know" is appearing in the Artist's Book section, and "Copper No. 2" is included in the Book Sculpture category.

 

        Out at the University of South Dakota, the 2025 exhibition "Bound & Unbound VIII" opened on August 25th.  Appearing in that show is "Double Vision," an altered book collaboration between myself and my good friend Sabine Remy of Dusseldorf, Germany.  You can see all of the wonderful books appearing there by accessing their Library Guide here.

And heading south from there, you can find "The Book As Art v. 13: Mixed Messages, which will show at the Decatur Library in Georgia, September 12-October 25, 2025.  My recent book "I READ THE NEWS TODAY OH BOY" will be part of this wonderful collection of books.

Enigma Variations

 Supposed to be packing right now, but would rather cut and paste.  Takes my mind off...things.

Enigma Variations 01 and 02:

No Kings

 Good job yesterday, America.  Let us carry on and keep our eyes on the prize.  Oh, and happy birthday, Dear Leader, Baby King, Narcissist-in-Chief.  Almost forgot.

Photo Trouvee Magazine

 Photo Trouvee Magazine is a beautiful presentation of work by artists who use and/or are inspired by found/vintage/family photographs in their work.  Founded by Twiggy Boyer and Juliana Naufel in February 2020, each issue is a treasure.  Two recent issues have included some of my collage and book work:  Issue 15, which highlighted collaborations between artists, includes several pages of work and information about me and my long-time collaboration partner, Sabine Remy of Dusseldorf, Germany.  Issue 16 includes 4 more pages featuring some of my recent collages, including a piece featuring the only photo of MY family that I have used in my work (hint...it's my Mom!!).  It is really an honor to be included, so much gratitude to you, Photo Trouvee Magazine!

Whispers From the Throne: My Last Donald

 

Whispers From the Throne: Heartwarming and Spiritual Easter Message From Our President

 

Whispers From the Throne: Canada and Greenland

 

Whispers From the Throne: Gulf, Bibles and Showerheads

 

Whispers From the Throne: Associations and Tariffs

 

Whispers From the Throne: Motto

 

King Donald Assures His Cabinet "I Know What the Hell I'm Doing."

 

Trump Regime Comes for Preschoolers

The Seattle Office of Head Start (a federally-funded preschool program for poor kids which has been in operation since the 1960's) has just been closed and all employees there have been placed on leave and notified that they will be fired.  Trump's Department of Health & Human Services has also closed regional offices in Boston, New York, Chicago and San Francisco.  HHS head Robert F. Kennedy explained "[w]e are realigning the organization with its core mission..."   The core mission, I guess, being deprive poor kids of effective assistance.  Job well done, HHS!!

 

A Person Could Get Discouraged.

Cut & paste paper collage (magazine & newspaper scraps, acrylic paint)

8" x 11.5" (2025)

 

I thought we'd have more time.

Cut & paste paper collage, 2025, 10.5 x 10.5