In the Studio, the Prints Unfold

Ships, Waves, and New Friendships

Dear friends,

Last week, I did something new.

I joined a block printing workshop led by my friend Mary—who created a warm community space and gathered a group of us together. Some of us were transplants here in Portugal, some locals from Coimbra, and some like me, still finding our way through this landscape of language, history, and culture.

It was my first time trying block printing, and I’ll admit—I was a little intimidated. But as we carved, inked, pressed, and revealed our designs, I felt a sense of permission I hadn’t realized I needed.

My print was a ship, with waves curling beneath it.
And isn’t that the perfect image for where I am right now?
A ship finding its way across new waters. Waves rising and falling. The journey slow and sometimes uncertain, but always moving forward.

Here’s a poem I wrote about the experience.