2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
When & Where?
The Art Gallery Paint-In is held annually in July with artists setup on Moss street from the Art Gallery to Dallas Road.
In 2024 I was thrilled to participate in the Art Gallery Paint-In for the first time.
“One of the largest art festivals of its kind in Canada, this event features artists, activities, music, food and fun. This beloved festival draws 50,000 visitors annually to explore art along Moss Street and brings Vancouver Island artists together in celebration of art!”
The organizers and volunteers were great and I was completely bowled over by the enthusiastic response to my work. I don’t think I’ve talked and laughed that much at an event since my stand-up comedy days. From start to finish the crowds just kept coming.
I loved performing stand-up and I’ve always thought of cartooning as stand-up comedy without the audience. Because I enjoy the solitary work of cartooning and the stage, it’s always great to get a bit of both in a day. The Paint-In was an opportunity to connect with thousands of people, share what I do, and most importantly make them laugh.
SOLO ART SHOW
As a direct result of being at the Paint-In, I was offered an exhibition spot at the Metchosin Arts & Cultural Centre. This September they’re giving up some much-coveted wall space for me to display my first solo art exhibit in years. The exhibit will feature a cross-section of my comic art including original drawings, paintings, and prints. I’ll be sharing more details about it later this year.
When & Where?
The market runs May - Oct in downtown Victoria, and again in December for the holiday season.
THE BASTION SQUARE MARKET
The Bastion Square Market has been a core part of my world since 2019, and in 2024, I went back to it full-time. This market, like all markets, has its ups and downs, but it’s always entertaining.
I love that it’s frequented by both locals and tourists. I’ve had repeat customers from as far away as Turkey, Mexico and Australia that have come back multiple times to pick up another one-of-a-kind drawing or handful of cards.
As markets go, it’s rare, in that it’s four days a week for months on end. It’s very much a marathon and not a sprint. I would say that it’s as close as you can get to having a brick and mortar without actually having one.
WORDY ART CARDS
Freestyle Thrift Enthusiast
One of my newest Wordy Art cards/prints.
Sales of my Wordy Art cards expanded across Canada in 2024. You can now find them at Rustic Daisy’s in Ontario and Wild Things in Nova Scotia. Closer to home you can now get them at The Papery and the gift shop at Craigdarroch Castle.
I added some new snowman card designs to the Holiday Collection, while RACCOON and HUMMINGBIRD joined the Wordy Art lineup.
Throughout the year I like to gather up suggestions for new cards from people I meet, and add them to a to-do list - it’s a long list. In 2025 I’m aiming to add another dozen cards to the lineup, so if you made a suggestion keep an eye out for it.
The next big thing!
STORYBOARDING COMIC ART
Tech is ever-evolving, but pencil on paper will always be my default setting.
Throughout 2024 I began working with a partner co-developing a very special project.
My partner - the creative head of a major animation studio - came across my Wordy Art cards, sparking with inspiration he asked me if I’d be interested in co-developing an animated series. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it happened.
Initially, it was going to be a single animated show but has since expanded to include multiple media projects and the co-founding of a new studio.
To say that what we’re creating has been a lot of work would be an understatement. In many ways, it feels like an ongoing crash course in visual creativity and storytelling. This experience has made me a better cartoonist and helped to broaden my imagination of what’s possible.
When we launch our website in the coming weeks, I’ll be able to share more with you. I'd love to keep you in the loop via my free newsletter - sign up below: