The Crèche

1993
Pen and Ink
4.5" x 6.75"

In 1989 I decided to make my own Christmas card. Because color reproduction was expensive, I created a black-and-white line drawing. The card proved to be a hit and it started a tradition—I've drawn the artwork for my (now our) Christmas card ever since. Initially my cards featured anonymous, fictional people—mostly children.

In 1993 I was determined to return to the “girl in the frilly dress” motif that I had used twice before, but I couldn’t come up with a concept that really appealed to me. Running short on time, I drew this piece, one that unfortunately lacks the humorous tone of the previous cards. At the time I was not very happy with it, but my opinion has softened and I have grown to like it.

Note the previous year's card (Pleasant Surprises) hanging from the garland just to the right of the girl.