Wrapped in My Studio Cocoon

Actually, this is a Chrysalis, not a cocoon, but the same feeling.

For the past four months I have been stowed away in my studio illustrating a book and revising the manuscript for it at the same time. I kept wanting to call the author and tell her to get to work, but in this case, the author was me. I sent off the interior art two weeks ago, and today, if all goes well, I will be sending off the cover art. It has been the most intensive period of single-focused working I have ever done. Yes, I have worked hard, but traditionally I am a juggler, keeping many projects in the air at once. From book illustrating to circus script writing to set design to school visits, with daily dinner-making and parenting in-between. But this time, I cleared the calendar and locked myself in the studio-- why? Because I had to begin and complete the illustrations in a period of two months (and 8 days!) when it usually takes me about 6 to 8 months to complete the original art for a book. During this time I did not see friends. I did not go to writing group. I did not go to meetings at Circus. No conferences, no school visits, no classes, no vacations. To be honest, I am still crawling out of my studio cocoon. As time begins to loosen its grip on me, I am trying to recognize the feeling of lightness and what the world  looks like again. 

I am almost ashamed to admit it, but it was the internet that got me through this period. Yep. Facebook and a few favorite blogs to check in on a daily basis kept me sane. Reading the Spud posts and adding posts of my own gave me perspective on where I have been as well as where I seem to be headed. My online community saved me from complete isolation. Thank you!