First things first
Best of any song
is bird song
in the quiet, but first
you must have the quiet.
-Wendell Berry, Sabbath Poems, 1997, I
But first. What must you have first? Before you can enjoy the bird song. Before you can relish the sunset. Before you can create the true art. I think Berry was on the case long before I was. We must have the quiet, the pause, the time, the margin, the moment. Or as I often told my kids when they were younger and had nothing to do: “Your best idea is on the other side of boredom.”
When I streamline away the silent voids or fill them with cheap stuffing, I’m pretty sure I’m missing the symphony. A dully occupied brain feels little need for spontaneous, energetic creativity to fill it.
I don’t have a conclusion this month. Just a resolution. To somehow, in the midst of family, work, friends, life…not fill every crack in between. Maybe that way a little bit more light can sneak in. —JF
On the Website
2027 Calendar
Pre-Order
It’s here! The collector favorite calendar is back, and as always features 12 perforated prints for easy framing! Built from my “On the Water” series, each month will brighten up any gray corner with fun memories.
Order by this Sunday and receive a code for 20% off a future order.
PLUS: all collectors who pre-order by this Sunday are entered to win a copy of HUMMINGBIRDS, signed by me!
New prints
I’ve added 3 prints from the Slow Trails collection and 3 florals that deserved to be brought out of the archive.
Around the Sphere
Puzzles among us
My Werkshoppe puzzles are popping up all over the place. Got this snap from my niece who works at Home Goods. There’s a few listed on Werkshoppe’s site as well.
Trader Joe’s for cards (and candy, of course)
Keep your eye out for my new cards at Trader Joe’s. The selection is ever changing, and these are two of my latest.
I’m finally in a gallery!
The Harpswell Collective now has two of my paintings on view and for sale, and I’m so thrilled. They have created such a beautiful space in mid-coast Maine, and I’m glad these pieces get to live there for a bit. If you’ve been wanting to view my paintings in person, now you finally have the chance! Fun bonus: they aren’t too far down the highway from the L.L.Bean flagship store in Freeport carrying my sheets! Sounds like the perfect autumn drive ;)
Don’t Forget
All collectors who pre-order the 2027 Calendar by this Sunday are entered to win a copy of HUMMINGBIRDS, signed by me!