Spring and Summer 2007: some updates...

The lead story is that after five years of freelance and contract work, I find myself back in the office. I started at LeapFrog in Emeryville as an Animation Director in January. With the team of incredible talent we have I know it's going to be a great year and a very worthwhile decision (I'm talking about the agonizing decision to start getting up at 6:30am). LeapFrog's animation department was founded by the greats--the Ghostbots and the Blue Sky guys have left a big legacy--but we are determined to match that. It's great to be back in the office with a bunch of old friends and a lot of fantastic new ones, too.

The new job means my traveling schedule will be scaled back a lot from last year, but there are some highlights that I'm looking forward to in the summer and autumn. I hope to have a lot of new paintings from last year's trips for shows this summer. The newly opened (and very successful) Banks Gallery in New London, NH, has a full schedule of themed shows coming up, and I'll post more information and new work when the shows open.

Ok, I've got to be honest. Although it sounds like I've been busy with animation and fine art, the truth is that I have a new hobby that I spend every free moment on. I never thought I'd say this--and it's kind of embarassing considering how much I frequent the crafts aisle in the art store now--but I have added jewelry designer to my CV. Last summer a friend innocently showed me the basics, and now I have abandoned everything else for making huge, colorful, and potentially unwearable (depending upon your comfort level with strangers staring and laughing) necklaces. But they are pretty damn cool, and they are going to be released to the world this June (with a preview at the upcoming Maverix auction). Watch out! (I really mean that--some of these things could poke your eye out!)

Things are good, and I hope that sets the tone for a great year to come.

My very best wishes to you,

Jenny