A Great Start to the Year of the Fire Horse!

Four wonderful and very unexpected things have happened recently, for which I am most grateful.

Firstly - I am now mentoring a private art school in Frisco, Texas, USA. Marina Shterenberg is a dedicated, talented artist who inspires her students through a wide range of mediums. She recently became interested in teaching them oriental art and reached out to Keitaro, who manages the online sales of Kobaien ink and other traditional Japanese artisans. He introduced us, and after an exchange of emails, we met on Zoom. What was intended to be a 40 minute call lasted 2 hours! Then came the saga of trying to send Marina some genuine Kobaien inks. Keitaro was unable to send them because of the current USA tarriff restrictions, so I said I would purchase the three she needed and send them on as a gift - even that was complex - and after two goes at sending them, they have finally reached the USA. Marina and I will collaborate to teach her students and work towards an exhibition. I wasn't sure how I would feel about returning to a teaching role, but this is all very positive and enjoyable - so quite healing after having retired, exhausted, from a challenging teaching role.

Secondly - I have a new outlet selling my cards. Nandroya Wines of Margate, Tasmania, now stock my cards, so when you buy their wine as a gift, you can get a card to go with it! Their cellar door area has a balcony where you can sit, sip, and admire the vines and native birds. They have carefully chosen cards of the birds that you can see - so look for the stand that says "Birds of Nandroya" when you visit.

Thirdly - I have sold my first painting from the Singulart website. It is this one (above) of "Boobook Owl & Willow". My little owl has flown all the way to its new home on Long Island, New York. I hope he brings that gentleman and his family lasting peace and joy.

And last of all - for the first time I have entered an art exhibiton! You can see three of my works in the A4 Art Australia Exhibition run by the Contemporary Art Society of Victoria in the Herring Island Gallery, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is open on weekends from Saturday 28 February to Monday 6 April.

They say that the Year of the Fire Horse brings rapid change, and is good for following one's passion and career. For me, at least, it has galloped off to a great start! I look forward to sharing more good news with you in the coming months.