Over the years, I’ve become more curious about my Ukrainian ancestry. Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine has stirred something fundamental in me, stoking a latent pride that I didn’t know was there and connecting me not only to the struggle of a nation’s people fighting to retain their freedom but to a human insistence on liberty that I believe exists within all of us.

In my world, things are suddenly moving faster than they were for a long time, and I don’t mind sharing that it’s been tough for me to adjust. I’m a little disoriented, but our evolving pandemic conditions have also offered joy.

Happy New Year… ? In the spirit of moving forward, here’s an introduction to my new advice column Dear CP, my ongoing compendium of ideas and resources for art workers, and upcoming offerings.