Spring steps to us as we crawl
Feeling the blooms after my first Canadian winter in 28 years
I just came back from two weeks at the Banff Centre for the Arts where I was in the Leighton Studios working on my newest graphic novel that will come out eventually with The Lab Press. I was set up in a sweet little cabin studio surrounded by snow and elk who came a visting as I toiled away. Except for one other writer, there were no other artists there this time, so the whole two weeks were meditative and isolating in a way that is good and bit strange. Strange in the way that makes you have to sit with yourself and truly recharge. The book is coming along, but it’s always three steps forward and then sliding back. Stitching and unstitching the narrative. I am second guessing everything and also am excited about the stumbles that bring me closer to the core.
In a weird synchroncity, I had some old film developed that arrived when I was there and it was a roll of me the first time I went to Banff in 2002. Then I was working on a draft of what would become my first novel BOY PROOF. I kind of love that synchroncity.
Upcoming Stories
Bookwise, there’s a lot of things that are in process. Working on that graphic novel, getting art back from another, working on various short pieces that will be out down the line. But for now, here’s what’s coming out soonish.
DC vs. Vampires: World War V #10 out in August FOC is May 19th I’m collaborating with Marley Zarcone on this one. So yes, that might mean there is some madness coming.
Cruel Universe Volume 1 which has my story with Andrea Mutti Peer Review in it is out this summer on Oni Press
Stardust Superwizard Anthology which I have a story in with Thorbjorn Petersen is also coming out this spring. It was put together by Van Jensen.
Upcoming Events
I’m doing a couple of events this week. First I’m going to be hosting Chants Libres fundraiser at DeStiil Bookstore April 22nd from 5-7, which is one of my favorite bookstores in Montreal. Even if you can’t come, I’d love if you donated even the smallest amount to this vibrant Lyric Opera company. I did a workshop of a new opera with them this past August and I’m hoping that we’ll get to expand on that and perhaps cook up some other cool operatic thing.
Next I’ll be at Calgary Expo April 24 - 27th. I was supposed to be a guest in 2020 but obviously that got cancelled so I’m really excited to finally be going. I’ll be sporting Chapter 12 of I AM THE COMIC BOOK which is art by Dean Haspiel. Chapter 12 also means I’m halfway through my promenade performance art endurance piece. At the rate it’s going it’ll probably go well into the next months, maybe even till next year! I still am loving it. I hope you are following along.
April 22 - Chants Libres Fundraiser Cocktail 5-7 at Destiil Bookstore Montreal, QC
April 24 - 27th- Calgary Expo Calgary, Alberta
Ongoing - I AM THE COMIC BOOK
It’s Spring!
After living in Los Angeles for so long, I forgot how amazing spring is. One moment it’s the darkest of winter with bitter winds and then the next the sun and the air and buds of flowers burst from the cracked cold earth like a miracle. I think we’re all a bit shaken right now from these past months and so spring I think, reminds us of rebirth and that things come in cycles. Spring is hope and I am trying to clutch it tight as we all crawl forward.
As for me, I am still settling into my new life in Montreal. What is the shape of it? I don’t know yet. Art, obviously. But I haven’t found my day to day rythm. The nicer weather is really helping me to find my bearings. It makes it more pleasant to go outside and explore.
One thing that is great about Montreal in spring and summer is that the whole city becomes festival after street festival after street festival. Another thing I’m excited about is that Montreal food scene will be getting Michelin Ratings for the first time ever. I’m so curious as to what will be named.
Crushes
Dining
Speaking of food, I just went to a great restaurant called Anemone on St Zotique. It has a great Table d’hote with wine pairing.
Reading
I just reread Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy. And it felt even more relevant than when I read it as a teenager. I’m taking that motto “Don’t Panic” to heart.
I also read a beautiful comic called The Trumpets of Death by Simon Bournel-Bousson which is translated into English and coming out this summer.
Watching
The Girl with The Needle was a pretty amazing film.
Now that I’m in Canada, I’m trying to watch some homegrown shows so I am currently weirdly hooked on a total fromage Canadian crime show called Wild Cards.
I hope all of you are hanging in there as best you can. I hope you are making art and finding joy in the cracks.
Love,
Cecil
Miss you!
PS Patrick watched "Girl with the Needle" when I was out of town and LOVED it.