this one is for novem.

Several years ago a professor of ours---a man whose design opinion I value as much as any other---who never tooted any one's horn [including my own]---told me that while I was a talented drawer, I needed to push myself to do more with my work.  It wasn't meant as a critique, only an observation.

I've thought back to this moment many times over the last five or so years, especially this May, when that professor, Mr. Novem Mason, ended his drawn-out battle with cancer in the art-filled home he shared with his wife, Barbara.  I've often wondered if I've really absorbed Novem's suggestion and truly pushed myself.  On the business-end, yes, I've been working day and night...but how about on the creative-end, the one that gives me the most joy?

This year I think I speak for both Edgar and I when I say this is our resolution for 2014.  We want to push ourselves to our limits, diving into creative exploration more than we've ever done in the past, giving ourselves the time and the tools necessary to make many, many messes...and the occasional successes that make up our dreams.

We dedicate this year, 2014, to Novem.