For many years past, I set up “New Year's Resolutions” for myself. 

This year, I am taking a different path.  Said path may lead to the same place as all of the resolutions (nowhere), but I will feel better about myself this time.

My 2026 “New Year’s Intentions”. 

• Open editions: I have been making small, numbered editions of prints and offering them weekly for several years. It made sense as a printmaker and felt good to have a framework for making new work. Last year, I introduced the series I call “ Without Limits” open editions of small prints for a very nice price. I make the plates and some prints; later, as they sell, I make more as needed, and it feels like a good solution. For 2026, I will be offering my larger signed prints in open editions; the existing editions will remain unchanged. My intention with this change has to do with me wanting time to make work that is close to my heart, and maybe a bit out of the box for me.  I also will allow myself more time for my long-term (read, running late, here) book arts projects. I heard a well-known photographer say one time, “You never know when you are going to get your moonrise.” Another reason open editions make sense for my practice of selling work mostly outside of the gallery world. 
• Collaborate: I have been collaborating with Emogene Bidegain, my daughter, on typography and design for my books. Kathleen McNamara has helped with writing a forward for Prague, my second book. In 2026, I have plans to collaborate with other artists. Today, I am announcing my new broadside, Wish You Were Here: a collaboration with Tiffany Meyers. I am hoping to do a book-arts project with No Reply Press this summer.  If you are someone with an idea for a collaboration with Cascabel Press, let’s talk. 
• Take risks with my work:  I am living the dream. My friends know this about me, and I feel lucky and grateful for the journey I have  followed. I work as an artist, craftsman, and educator, full time and have for years. My wife, my family, and all y’all have helped make this happen. Thank you for all your parts. In 2026, my intention is to push deeper into the letterpress and book arts I love so much. More book projects and broadsides. Writing more copy for my book arts projects and the blog.  I am taking a workshop next month to learn about multi-color copper plate etching and printing. The artwork for this has to be a DRAWING. Yikes! This is the risk part I mentioned. 
• Pay Attention:   Striving to stay present day to day, intentional about how I spend my time, reminding myself of what is important. I think current times call for this more than ever.

I love when you join the conversation here on the blog. If you feel like sharing what you are thinking about for 2026, I will smile as I read what you have to say. 

        Be well, Ray