Individual Artist Project Grant

The main community I think of belonging to is the rich and diverse adoptee community which is all-inclusive and exists in all corners of our state, country and world. When one of us speaks our truth the rest are uplifted and given a little extra permission to voice things as well. Even if it's just to ourselves about our own trauma. I experience this when I read stories by other adoptees. The benefit of storytelling to my community is immeasurable at this point, at the very least we end up feeling less alone in our other-ness. It can be a part of a healing journey. In speaking up, it's possible for anyone outside the adoptee triad to learn something about it as well. For the reader it would foster a greater understanding of adoptee issues, particularly in the mental health area. In my geographic community, subsequent readings and gallery shows after publication would raise awareness as well.My intention is to deliver a story with engaging drawings and text that expresses the humor and gravity of the subject matter - my youth and caregiver years. I plan to drive home some information about the adoptee experience without hitting people over the head with it. I'll address the related sibling abuse, addiction and attachment disorder and show how I've navigated and survived it so far. If I look at my drawings and feel I've done my best to visually communicate a situation and mood, and augmented them with the best words I can come up with, I'll be happy with the outcome. To have a finished, published book in hand, and have it be a container of all of my goals, a work of art that shines light into the dark corners of the adoption universe - that is the result I am working towards. If I receive viewer feedback that it has somehow helped them, that will be the best outcome of all. A good measurable outcome for me would be reaching the milestone 500 books sold. In spending most of my working life as a graphic production artist, I became comfortable with working under pressure and meeting deadlines. In fact, I am much more productive with a set timetable for completing tasks. I have self-published two books in the past. One is a 150 page wordless graphic memoir, and the other is a 48 page children's picture book. This demonstrates my ability to conceive, construct and put finished products out into the world. It also gives me a gauge of how long I take to work on drawings and text. Most importantly, as I will be turning 60 on my next birthday, I no longer take time for granted.Measuring the success of this project will be multifaceted. I'll feel it's a success when: 1. I complete the book on time, having made good use of my time, skills and funds. 2. I see the art and text and feel I've communicated my story in the best way possible. 3. I share it with others and they get my intended emotional takeaway and humor. 4. I feel I've learned and healed something. Because maybe this will happen for the reader too. 5. Reading through it I see that I've avoided common memoir pitfalls such as bitterness and self pity. 6. I have the finished book in hand, published by a reputable press. Even if I self-publish I'll be happy with the work. 7. My calendar is filled with library and bookstore readings, starting with the Coleraine Library. 8. I connect with other adoptees in the region and beyond, and find it inspires someone else to work on a memoir. 9. My peers at the Sequential Artists Workshop give it their vote of confidence. 10. I've sold 500 copies of the book.