One of the things I love to do is create art. Unfortunately, my environment can severely challenge the pursuit.
I'd like to say it's just a space thing or even a headspace thing, but they're hopelessly entangled... um... spaces.
Seriously, the space with all the best area to work on stuff is the dayroom, but it's also the worst place because of all the distractions. And the space without any distractions is my cell, which has no real area to work in.
It's a Catch 22, first world prison problem, yes, but it's also my life. My point is, the situation inhibits my creative drive more than I should allow it. Still...
The "Somewhere" idea we use here on the blog came about while brainstorming for a gaming publication. The fictional setting I was pitching to is multiversal in scope (they use a similar, copyrighted term I won't infringe upon), so the idea was to do funny and/or anecdotal strips in all their various locations. They never responded or entertained the idea. A later analysis of the company revealed they have serious issues with contract artists and writers, so despite being a fan of the product for over 25 years, I gave them up and repurposed "Somewhere".
The first strip was a blast to do. I'm not very good at figures, so I thought doing something "simple" like a comic strip would be quick and easy. Boy, was I wrong.
Long story short, it took way more effort than expected, but was highly rewarding. And, if I practiced it, I'm sure it would come easier, but my "To Do List" has always been monstrous. In addition to the "Gainful Employment" strip, I've created to date only two others: the original submission (which I thought was hilarious) and one for our webmistress and her copilot dog (also, in my book, hilarious).
When COVID struck, it screwed everything up, and despite having more time to work on stuff (ergo, art), the Vogon policies governing the mailing process made it nigh impossible to get curio out. That's when our webmistress stepped and began putting her own sweat equity (and no small skill) to the task of illustrating this blog.
Since then, the art has been all her and FAR beyond appreciated. She has a way of translating my word's intent into imagery, and I just wanted to give credit where it's due and say thank you for making my silly words a little more interesting.
She is awesome. ^_^