Happy New Year! - Rachel J.E. Sprague

Happy New Year, everyone!

What an incredibly crazy year it has been. It is mostly a blur. Life in the pandemic continues to have its ups and downs for us as a family, while we work and attend school from our home, but we are healthy (knock on wood), so we are grateful for that.

In reflecting back on my work from the past year, the theme seems to be of searching for joy.

I am very proud that I have produced over 25 comics since we got our puppy in March and the world shut down. It is a project that has truly helped me keep a sense of positivity during this time, and one that has helped me connect with friends and family during this time of isolation. I am humbled by the responses I have received each week from these little comics; I am so glad they are bringing joy into peoples lives.

I also have had the honor to work with some great organizations this past year, and created some personalized artwork for people near and far. Much of the fine art I’ve produced is currently sitting in my basement— with so many display venues closed, I am hoping to soon at least get it up on my own website, some for purchase, in the next month. Stay tuned!

Finally, I had the honor of continuing to paint shoes for Hourglass Footwear. It brought me particular joy to paint Dansko clogs for those working in the medical frontlines of the pandemic right now. I also was honored to paint a few wedding shoes— weddings that had to be adapted due to covid. What a time we are living in!

Thank you to everyone out there who is still supporting local businesses and artists. It is such a hard time, but I know we can get through all of this together.

Rachel