Summer's Tail End

Joe Wirtheim at the Habitat for Humanity opening of a whole new street of homes, and a renewed community. Staunton, Virginia.

Even more is on my mind now that summer is on its tail end—like what to do with all these tomatoes! Lol! I’m sure I’ll figure something out, but in the meantime there’s some real work to do.

Right now, I have a half-done and ambitious 2022 Calendar project in front of me. Plus, I’ve got a couple of client projects in the works, like another sign for the Xerces Society. And then there are the ordinary online orders to attend to. It wouldn't be any trouble to work on all of that if the weather hadn’t turned super nice and continues to beckon me to “come outside!” I can hear the sunshine saying, “how about another bike ride, Joe…” But there’s work to do!

The best and worst thing about a calendar is that it is 12 illustrations. It’s good because I like having a few things to work on at a time. That way, I can rotate through the illustrations, working on one until I’m done looking at it, then move to the next one where I can get a fresh perspective, working on that one until I’m done looking at it, and then going through the process all over again. It feels like either a dance through a meadow of many kinds of flowers, or an overwhelming slog of frustration depending on how it is going. Currently, it is a bit sloggy, but I’m not worried about it—that’s the creative process ;-)

I wanted to mention the wonderful experience Taylor (the wife) and I had at the VGoT poster show in Staunton, Virginia. The good folks at the local Habitat for Humanity are infilling a neighborhood that has been somewhat neglected. The new homes fill in otherwise empty lots and feature a key item of community-building: front porches! It was a pleasure to be at the opening event, touring the newly finished homes where VGoT posters on the walls sparked so many conversations. Special thanks to Lance Burton for the invitation and gracious hosting, as well as Corrie Park at Made; By the People for the People gift shop in downtown Staunton.

I hope you’re staying motivated, healthy and well-fed this end-of-summertime. Our masks are working and are more important than ever, so be sure to carry yours.

Made; By the People for the People in Staunton, Virginia is the cutest shop!