Welcoming the Newborn

1998
Pen and ink
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); but since the birth of my daughters they have become my primary subject.

In October 1998 my second daughter, Eliana was born. But this presented me with a dilema—what to do with the Christmas card. I couldn't ignore her and leave her out, but what can you do with a two-month old baby? Ultimately I hit upon the idea of having Rachel, my older daughter, showing the baby pieces from the nativity crèche. I suppose it's appropriate to celebrate the arrival of a newborn on Christmas.