Hi. I gratefully (and humbly) received Artist of the Year, and with so many artists who deserve it, I'm very grateful to be in their company. When Steve (eekdog) told me I'd been nominated, I heard from PJeditor (Pepper) who posts all these things along w/ many other things in the News, etc. He wanted an interview. But...I was recovering from medical issues (still am), and said if he wanted an interview, he could feel free to create something based on my gallery, previous interviews, etc...Having seen his editing skills, I trusted his judgment totally. Then, this weekend, I thought: What a thing to put on an editor! He'd have to cut and paste, excerpt and highlight, and do it with the hope that the artist he's doing it for will be 'ok' with it. Yesterday, I thought: I wouldn't want that job! Nice goin', Mark... Well, Pepper did a terrific job. I don't know how long it took him, but he honored me truly; and I'm very grateful. So I made this image for him---haven't done much of late!---as a deep thank you for his effort. Thank you so much, Pepper! You did me proud, and I'm very grateful. Also, thank you to all who've supported me since I came here (in the early 1700s I think) and kept me posting. And to Steve for telling me about the nomination to begin with, and telling it in his gallery. And to Chrissy/digitell for helping me with banners (I didn't even know what they were!) Thank you all. I'll end with the old trite saying "you're all winners"---which is esp true for artists, because most of us work on the fringes, pour our hearts into things that often have no utilitarian purpose, agonize over tiny details, and display our inner selves in front of the world, just because. I'm grateful to be creating among you. I hope everyone keeps creating: It keeps the light alit. The image, btw, is an abstract made in Photoshop, from drawings and photos. If you want to know what it 'is'---I have no clue. How's this: a snapshot of the universe on a colorful day. Until I think of a better title, I'll go with that... Thanks so much again, PJ and everyone else! Have a fine Sunday w/ peace and inspiration, Mark ------------------------