'Golden Tears" by Norwegian photographer, Torbjorn Rodland (c. 2002), whose style as he describes is "one-third Nordic melancholia, one-third Japanese cuteness and one-third American vulgarity." Reminiscent of an earthy Virgin Mary.

At the entrance to the Phillips Collection. I have never been the same since I visited Iceland this past summer. Nordic culture, food, history, art and design influencing me and feeding my soul at present!

'Repose' by the great Icelandic painter, Torarinn B. Torlaksson (c. 1910). Many of his subjects depict the strong attachment to the sea and dramatic landscape of his country. Here an old man rests with his horse on the rocky shore covered in mosses and flowers in the short summer months.

One of the many unique sculptures from The Bird Edition by Nathalie Djuberg (Lysekil, Sweden, c. 2011). Djuberg drawing on avian physiology, biology, mating rituals, and flocking creates a fantastical procession of species from simple materials, of wire, clay and painted canvas.

'Tarn with Water Lillles' by Norwegian painter, Theodor Kittelsen (c. 1893). His landscapes focus on the mythical spirits in Nordic folklore and invented shapes anthropomorphized representing human primal fears. In Norwegian folklore, there is a belief in the mythical spirit called the nokken rising from the tarn. From a distance in the dark the lillies resemble a series of eyes watching and rising from the water.

Kneeling down near two models by Reykjavik designer, Katrin Sigudardottir. Sigudardottir's sculptures and designs focus on the individual's renegotiation of her relationship with space and surroundings. These are cross-sectional models of memories of her childhood home in Reykjavik in the great visual space that constitutes the Phillips.

'The Island Series" by Danish photographer, Olafur Eliasson (c. 1997). These are photos of all of the islands surrounding Iceland.

Self-portrait of Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch.

One of my favorite Reykjavik photographers, Sigurdur Gudmunsson. This work, is entitled, 'Extension' combining Nordic poetic situations with wit and absurdity.

The stunning Special Exhibition space off the Rothko Room at the PhillipsCollection.

Performing during the evening.

I received two beautiful bouquets from my Japanese guests at the end of my performance for the evening.

With Joseph Oh, Proprietor of Coffee Nature on Fessenden Street in Washington, DC. Joseph is a wonderful friend and supporter of my music. He also is a wonderful leader in the DC business community and gives back much through his generosity to the community.

Demoing and arranging new songs for my next album after coming off a transforming and inspirational trip to Reykjavik, Iceland, performing in London, England, and a nice break in August to focus on writing new material.

On Sunday, April 16, 2018, I attended the Small Press Expo in Bethesda, MD. The expo is an incredible gathering under one roof of independent comics, graphic artists and animators. Made so many new friends who are talented writers, cartoonists and animators and share a passion for the perfection of one's art.

Robert Christie drew an original cartoon of Arkark for me and with Deb Long inscribed and signed the first volume of the story for me. How cool is that! Rob and Deb are so kind.

Two wonderful new friends and kindred artistic souls- Illustrator Robert Christie and Writer Deborah Long. Love their Seuss and Viking-inspired fantasy comic, Crutonian Chronicles. The story is about Captain Quenterindy Quirk, the leader of an expedition to the unchartered regions of a land called Crutonia. I especially love the character, Arkark (the companion pet of Smok, the captain's assistant) in the story. Robert and Deborah are so kind and really inspiring creators.

The first volume of Crutonian Chronicles that I purchased at SPX.

The SPX mascot and attendee registration table.

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and hear the great Jules Feiffer- the famous New York writer, satirist and cartoonist for the now defunct, but provocative and historically and journalistically important newspaper, The Village Voice, speaking about his storied career.

One of Charles Riffenberg's original cartoons of the mischievous kitten, Daphne Trouble.

A beautiful and inspiring comic by Illustrator and Writer Haley Boros about adopting her first dog, Rusty, who has three legs. A very heartwarming and inspiring story.

Love this comic by Illustrator and Writer Charles Riffenberg about a mischievous kitten named Daphne Trouble.

Attending Todd Haberkorn's lecture (Writer, Director , Producer and Voice Actor for Netflix and FUNimation as well as Geek&Sundry. His famous voice roles include Italy from the anime, Hetalia, Ling Yao in Full Metal Alchemist, and Death the Kid from Souleater.

The huge Otakon 2018 poster at Mt. Vernon Square Metro Station.

Attending Otakon 2018 in Washington, DC. Three fantastic days of Akihabara, Japan brought to DC. Fantastic experience!

Being an avid ice skater, I love this anime. A wonderful story about Yuri Katsuki and his journey and struggle to perfect his art and believe in himself.

Attending Josh Grelle's inspirational and moving lecture on the social justice importance of the anime Yuri on Ice, Princess Jellyfish and Snow White with the Red Hair.

Picked this up at Otakon from one of the dealers. My favorite Miyazaki film.

Wonderful experience meeting and speaking with Voice Actor Josh Grelle, the American voice of Yuri. Here is the beautiful print from Yuri on Ice of the two central characters Yuri and Victor and the nice personalized message and autograph by Josh to me.