Taking some inspiration from some things me and my girlfriend talked about regarding old highs in one’s past and asking yourself if revisiting them later on in life is worth it… the usual stuff I guess.
What a wonderful Kirkus review!
(Paired here with my favorite improper contraction.)
"A thoughtful look at life, in all its beauty and strangeness.
...
This delightfully deadpan musing on life urges compassion for others. Howden’s straightforward text is on the philosophical side, though also rooted in the absurd. Hahn’s spare black graphite pencil watercolor, mostly set against a white background, are imbued with humor and empathy for the pickle, with the foodstuff’s expressive eyes conveying many emotions at once. "
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sarah-howden/the-wise-pickle/
THE WISE PICKLE
by Sarah Howden ;
illustrated by Sabina Hahn
RELEASE DATE: June 23, 2026
Another page of my travelbook, made with gel ink pen for a future art book about mediterranean way of life. Here a woman enjoying a coffee on an italian terrasse
WOW! The greenest day of the year is coming! Time to spend some gold on Irish whiskey and find a happy shamrock! Have you met a leprechaun today? Wishin' you a wee bit of fun and a lot 'o' luck on St. Patrick's Day!
I used a reference to draw this scenery. In the reference there was so many details that I really wanted to capture it. I even wanted to capture the details in the bride’s wedding dress. I think the groom looks quite handsome in blue (it’s HIS color as some people might say). I incorporated the long, beaded line under the bushels of flowers (just another element to add to an already beautiful scene). Also, as you can see, I added an audience watching the couple as they have their picture taken. The flowers spread along the table with the view of the wavy waters right behind them looks so refreshing. Every element served its purpose for the ultimate “moment to remember” feeling. One of my favorite things about this drawing is the string lights. It’s one of the smallest items to have, but they add character and charm to the scenery. The string lights give a romantic feel and is even more gorgeous at night. I enjoyed doing this drawing so much that I anticipated the second I’d be finished with it.
