Notes from the Studio

I spent last weekend at FaerieCon, three splendid days, filled to the brim with lovely people, lively conversations and art of the fantastic in every size, shape and kind. I was hosted, wined and dined by Kim and Mary (and Mike too, of course!), two living and very real Queens of the May who produce Faerie Magazine and introduced to the lovely Be and Drew of ‘I Do Believe’ in the UK, all of them passionate advocates of the practical benefits of art and magic in all of our lives. As the days ran too quickly forward I discovered a large and ever-growing population of similarly passionate people who dance under the fairy hills every day of their lives. I felt very much at home amongst a tribe of people that shared so many of the aesthetic sensibilities that I myself value. Brian and Wendy Froud made for excellent hosts of the event and the gathering of other artists, performers and writers was amazing to say the least: Linda Ravenscroft, Delia Sherman, Ellen Kushner, Michael Hague, Holly Black, John and Caitlin Matthews, Ari Berk, Josephine Wall, Jessica Galbreth and my new extended family just goes on and on. A very