February’s Pictonaut Challenge

With the arrival of February we enter the last vestiges of winter. The sharp green shoots of spring have already begun to break through the chill, dead earth. With the end of winter within our sights my thoughts turn to one of the uncomfortable truths of life: “There is an end to all things.” Nothing is eternal and nothing will last for ever. So it is with mixed emotions I’ve decided to finally call an end to the Pictonaut Challenge. At least for now. I’ve been throwing myself at this challenge for three and a half years, and this month’s will be the 42nd iteration of the challenge. This being a most auspicious number I though now would be as good a time as any.

I want to quit while I’m ahead, to get out before I start to feel bitter and before writing starts to feel too much like work, or a resented obligation. The Pictonaut Challenge will more than likely rear its head again at some point in the future, but for now I just want a rest.

So here we find ourselves, at The End of the Line.

The final image of Phase 1 of the Pictonaut Challenge is the work of Andrei Pervukhin a professional concept artist and illustrator located in Voronezh, Russia. To me it evokes Charon, the ferryman of the river Styx from Greek mythology. An image which seems perversely fitting to the end of this endeavour.

For those of you looking to claim the lauded title of a Pictonaut while you still have the chance, the concept is simple. One image, one month, one thousand words. These are the rules. (Well, they’re more like guidelines really.) Then I share around the stories for any and all to read.

So grab a pen, pop the kettle on, and join me for one last hurrah!