The two commissions are complete. I was paid and I honored my word, which means the cycle is closed. The 10th piece waits in silence until the commissioner’s friend celebrates their birthday. A surprise loses all flavor if revealed too early.

I may open commissions again next month, perhaps to the public, perhaps not. Money is pleasant but I would rather not depend on commissions. The truth is that I make art because I enjoy it. It is a hobby that brings me more satisfaction than treating it as work. Money is useful of course, but it is not the reason I create. In the future it may help as a booster to income, nothing more than that.

My mind is steady enough for the moment. My patience with people, however, is still gone and ash like a candle that burned too quickly. It will return eventually, but until then I prefer silence.