2008 was a year of consolidating gains and beginning to map out the future. Here is a glimpse of some work in progress, studies for a new series, and exploring new techniques.

January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar - the solar calendar that is in use throughout most of the world.

Throughout the Northern Hemisphere, January is, on average, the coolest month of the year. It is the warmest month of the year within most of the Southern Hemisphere. As such, January signals the onset of Winter in the North and Summer in the South.

This first month of the year is named after Janus who, appropriately enough, is known n Roman mythology as the god of beginnings and endings.

Janus was one of the principal Roman gods, the custodian of the universe. The first hour of each day, first day of the month, first month of the year, were all sacred to Janus.

Janus’ most prominent namesakes in modern culture are: the month of January, and the janitor, who is a caretaker of doors and halls.

Janus was usually represented with two bearded heads placed back to back so that he might look in two directions at the same time. His festival was celebrated on the first day of the year.