Airen Hall
@withoutaladder.bsky.social
Writer. Illustrator. Wild Feminist. Book lover. 1 wife, 3 kids, 3 cats. (She/her)
http://withoutaladder.com/portfolio/
http://instagram.com/withoutaladder/
http://withoutaladder.com/portfolio/
http://instagram.com/withoutaladder/
Pinned
Only a day late to #PortfolioDay! I create collaged illustration made of paper I paint and hand cut. I am especially interested in #kidlitart, but I also do private commissions.
www.instagram.com/withoutaladd...
www.withoutaladder.com
www.instagram.com/withoutaladd...
www.withoutaladder.com
It was another fantastic #FolktaleWeek. I really loved participating this year and I'm so glad I made the time to do it.
#FolktaleWeek2025
#FolktaleWeek2025
November 24, 2025 at 11:11 PM
It was another fantastic #FolktaleWeek. I really loved participating this year and I'm so glad I made the time to do it.
#FolktaleWeek2025
#FolktaleWeek2025
Amen!
You know what’s ripe for a comeback is the Wolves of Willoughby Chase series by Joan Aiken. Smart & non-condescending YA, fantastical without being fantasy, dark and Dickensian as hell, extremely lefty and anticapitalist, a full dozen sequels, amazing Edward Gorey covers.
November 24, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Amen!
Final day of #FolktaleWeek2025: DAWN. I was happy to see this prompt because I had already been thinking of doing a piece with the Roman goddess Aurora and her winged chariot. Synchronicity!
#folktaleweek #mythology
#folktaleweek #mythology
November 23, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Final day of #FolktaleWeek2025: DAWN. I was happy to see this prompt because I had already been thinking of doing a piece with the Roman goddess Aurora and her winged chariot. Synchronicity!
#folktaleweek #mythology
#folktaleweek #mythology
Can't believe we're already on Day 6 of #FolktaleWeek2025: STORM. I did a depiction of the Cailleach, or Storm Hag. She is a figure from Gaelic/Celtic mythology.
#folktaleweek
#folktaleweek
November 22, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Can't believe we're already on Day 6 of #FolktaleWeek2025: STORM. I did a depiction of the Cailleach, or Storm Hag. She is a figure from Gaelic/Celtic mythology.
#folktaleweek
#folktaleweek
#FolktaleWeek2025, Day 5: Charm!
I chose to depict the Norse legend of Andvari, a dwarf who lived under a waterfall and had a magic ring called Andvaranaut. The ring is the charm, and you can see it better in the close-up below. 😊 #folktaleweek #Norsemythology
I chose to depict the Norse legend of Andvari, a dwarf who lived under a waterfall and had a magic ring called Andvaranaut. The ring is the charm, and you can see it better in the close-up below. 😊 #folktaleweek #Norsemythology
November 21, 2025 at 10:39 PM
#FolktaleWeek2025, Day 5: Charm!
I chose to depict the Norse legend of Andvari, a dwarf who lived under a waterfall and had a magic ring called Andvaranaut. The ring is the charm, and you can see it better in the close-up below. 😊 #folktaleweek #Norsemythology
I chose to depict the Norse legend of Andvari, a dwarf who lived under a waterfall and had a magic ring called Andvaranaut. The ring is the charm, and you can see it better in the close-up below. 😊 #folktaleweek #Norsemythology
Day 4 of #FolktaleWeek2025: BOOK. I do a lot of bookshelves to sell at markets of various sizes and kinds. I have done a couple other "witch's bookshelf" pieces, but I made this one specifically for #folktaleweek. Yay books!
November 20, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Day 4 of #FolktaleWeek2025: BOOK. I do a lot of bookshelves to sell at markets of various sizes and kinds. I have done a couple other "witch's bookshelf" pieces, but I made this one specifically for #folktaleweek. Yay books!
#FolktaleWeek2025, Day 3. The prompt is Rain. I went with a depiction of the peperuna, a Slavic rain dance ritual (so fascinating to learn about!) I'm not sure the full effect of the piece comes through in a picture online. It is probably my favorite of my seven #folktaleweek pieces this year.
November 19, 2025 at 11:10 PM
#FolktaleWeek2025, Day 3. The prompt is Rain. I went with a depiction of the peperuna, a Slavic rain dance ritual (so fascinating to learn about!) I'm not sure the full effect of the piece comes through in a picture online. It is probably my favorite of my seven #folktaleweek pieces this year.
Reposted by Airen Hall
Day 2 of #FolktaleWeek2025!
The prompt today is ECHO. I chose to do a version of the fairytale "Diamonds and Toads" that I am calling "Serpents & Snakes." The gift one sister gets is echoed by the curse on the other sister.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweekecho #cutpapercollage
The prompt today is ECHO. I chose to do a version of the fairytale "Diamonds and Toads" that I am calling "Serpents & Snakes." The gift one sister gets is echoed by the curse on the other sister.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweekecho #cutpapercollage
November 18, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Day 2 of #FolktaleWeek2025!
The prompt today is ECHO. I chose to do a version of the fairytale "Diamonds and Toads" that I am calling "Serpents & Snakes." The gift one sister gets is echoed by the curse on the other sister.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweekecho #cutpapercollage
The prompt today is ECHO. I chose to do a version of the fairytale "Diamonds and Toads" that I am calling "Serpents & Snakes." The gift one sister gets is echoed by the curse on the other sister.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweekecho #cutpapercollage
Reposted by Airen Hall
Hooray, it's #FolktaleWeek2025! My favorite art prompt event of the year.
The prompt today is NIGHT. I chose the story of the Lady & the Lantern, an old ghost story with several versions.
I painted, cut, and collaged an assortment of papers for this piece.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweeknight
The prompt today is NIGHT. I chose the story of the Lady & the Lantern, an old ghost story with several versions.
I painted, cut, and collaged an assortment of papers for this piece.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweeknight
November 17, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Hooray, it's #FolktaleWeek2025! My favorite art prompt event of the year.
The prompt today is NIGHT. I chose the story of the Lady & the Lantern, an old ghost story with several versions.
I painted, cut, and collaged an assortment of papers for this piece.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweeknight
The prompt today is NIGHT. I chose the story of the Lady & the Lantern, an old ghost story with several versions.
I painted, cut, and collaged an assortment of papers for this piece.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweeknight
Day 2 of #FolktaleWeek2025!
The prompt today is ECHO. I chose to do a version of the fairytale "Diamonds and Toads" that I am calling "Serpents & Snakes." The gift one sister gets is echoed by the curse on the other sister.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweekecho #cutpapercollage
The prompt today is ECHO. I chose to do a version of the fairytale "Diamonds and Toads" that I am calling "Serpents & Snakes." The gift one sister gets is echoed by the curse on the other sister.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweekecho #cutpapercollage
November 18, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Day 2 of #FolktaleWeek2025!
The prompt today is ECHO. I chose to do a version of the fairytale "Diamonds and Toads" that I am calling "Serpents & Snakes." The gift one sister gets is echoed by the curse on the other sister.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweekecho #cutpapercollage
The prompt today is ECHO. I chose to do a version of the fairytale "Diamonds and Toads" that I am calling "Serpents & Snakes." The gift one sister gets is echoed by the curse on the other sister.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweekecho #cutpapercollage
Hooray, it's #FolktaleWeek2025! My favorite art prompt event of the year.
The prompt today is NIGHT. I chose the story of the Lady & the Lantern, an old ghost story with several versions.
I painted, cut, and collaged an assortment of papers for this piece.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweeknight
The prompt today is NIGHT. I chose the story of the Lady & the Lantern, an old ghost story with several versions.
I painted, cut, and collaged an assortment of papers for this piece.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweeknight
November 17, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Hooray, it's #FolktaleWeek2025! My favorite art prompt event of the year.
The prompt today is NIGHT. I chose the story of the Lady & the Lantern, an old ghost story with several versions.
I painted, cut, and collaged an assortment of papers for this piece.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweeknight
The prompt today is NIGHT. I chose the story of the Lady & the Lantern, an old ghost story with several versions.
I painted, cut, and collaged an assortment of papers for this piece.
#folktaleweek #folktaleweeknight
Heading into a busy holiday market season with five markets coming up. If you're in the DMV, hope to see you at one of them!
November 9, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Heading into a busy holiday market season with five markets coming up. If you're in the DMV, hope to see you at one of them!
Reposted by Airen Hall
Daylight Saving Spring Forward
YouTube video by Positively Osceola
youtu.be
November 2, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Reposted by Airen Hall
Many things are being destroyed & the news of it is a psychological & political onslaught.
So it’s important that you create things.
It can be art, cookies, a community pantry, a garden, a mask bloc. It can be beautiful, practical, silly. Just create & share.
It’ll do your brain & the world good.
So it’s important that you create things.
It can be art, cookies, a community pantry, a garden, a mask bloc. It can be beautiful, practical, silly. Just create & share.
It’ll do your brain & the world good.
October 10, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Many things are being destroyed & the news of it is a psychological & political onslaught.
So it’s important that you create things.
It can be art, cookies, a community pantry, a garden, a mask bloc. It can be beautiful, practical, silly. Just create & share.
It’ll do your brain & the world good.
So it’s important that you create things.
It can be art, cookies, a community pantry, a garden, a mask bloc. It can be beautiful, practical, silly. Just create & share.
It’ll do your brain & the world good.
Amen. I myself have been marathoning Columbo the last couple weeks as I work, and it has truly been a balm.
Peter Falk is hilariously comforting, and this show is absolutely visually soothing.
October 11, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Amen. I myself have been marathoning Columbo the last couple weeks as I work, and it has truly been a balm.
Really excellent piece on AI.
YES! THIS on GenAI!
Please read this absolutely splendid piece of writing that had me cheering, a little bit weepy, and writing in the margins:
"An extraordinary amount of money is spent by the AI industry to ensure that acquiescence is the only plausible response. But marketing is not destiny."
Please read this absolutely splendid piece of writing that had me cheering, a little bit weepy, and writing in the margins:
"An extraordinary amount of money is spent by the AI industry to ensure that acquiescence is the only plausible response. But marketing is not destiny."
Large Language Muddle | The Editors
The AI upheaval is unique in its ability to metabolize any number of dread-inducing transformations. The university is becoming more corporate, more politically oppressive, and all but hostile to the ...
www.nplusonemag.com
October 4, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Really excellent piece on AI.
Love this.
"I did not start my full time career as an artist until I was fifty and I have just turned 76 in July....I hope my story will be one that inspires others to pursue their dreams no matter how old they are and not to give up." - Jeanie Tomanek
To see more of her work: www.jeanietomanek.com
To see more of her work: www.jeanietomanek.com
September 25, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Love this.
Reposted by Airen Hall
I had never really thought about the fact that The Lord of the Rings is the 500,000+ word version of “the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house” but here’s the explanation.
Since this whole debate is still happening, and since we are still not listening I will summarize what I understand the argument to be in the Lingua Franca of white nerds: Lord of the Rings analogies.
white cis men blocking people of color and other members of vulnerable communities because their risk factor is a lot different than ours is peak white nonsense.
It's also how I know they don't give a shit about us.
It's also how I know they don't give a shit about us.
September 19, 2025 at 4:59 PM
I had never really thought about the fact that The Lord of the Rings is the 500,000+ word version of “the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house” but here’s the explanation.
Reposted by Airen Hall
Boromir falls for the power of the ring not because he likes Sauron, but because Boromir cannot imagine overthrowing the dark lord other than by force. He fundamentally doesn’t understand the nature of Sauron’s or the ring’s power, so he tries to take it and become a great captain of war.
September 19, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Boromir falls for the power of the ring not because he likes Sauron, but because Boromir cannot imagine overthrowing the dark lord other than by force. He fundamentally doesn’t understand the nature of Sauron’s or the ring’s power, so he tries to take it and become a great captain of war.
Reposted by Airen Hall
Folks, you can't report the United States to its manager. There's no superhero coming to save us.
We don't need one giant act of heroism. We need millions of small acts of solidarity. Help one person in your community for nothing in return. Then, do it again. And again.
That's the revolution.
We don't need one giant act of heroism. We need millions of small acts of solidarity. Help one person in your community for nothing in return. Then, do it again. And again.
That's the revolution.
September 19, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Folks, you can't report the United States to its manager. There's no superhero coming to save us.
We don't need one giant act of heroism. We need millions of small acts of solidarity. Help one person in your community for nothing in return. Then, do it again. And again.
That's the revolution.
We don't need one giant act of heroism. We need millions of small acts of solidarity. Help one person in your community for nothing in return. Then, do it again. And again.
That's the revolution.
Ugh. Sooo disappointing to see my rep @raskin.house.gov voted yes on this.
Everything wrong with the Democratic Party in a nutshell.
95 House Democrats (including Jeffries!) just voted to honor the life & legacy of Charlie Kirk.
Only 58 voted no.
38 voted present.
clerk.house.gov/evs/2025/rol...
95 House Democrats (including Jeffries!) just voted to honor the life & legacy of Charlie Kirk.
Only 58 voted no.
38 voted present.
clerk.house.gov/evs/2025/rol...
clerk.house.gov
September 19, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Ugh. Sooo disappointing to see my rep @raskin.house.gov voted yes on this.
Reposted by Airen Hall
Hey #kidlit illustrators!
We’re beginning to think through a mythology-themed beginning-reader series. I'm looking for someone w/ a commercial/punchy, character-forward style who can breath life into ancient lore.
Please respond w/ samples + folio link.
Please no emails/DMs.
💙❤️ #artcommissions
We’re beginning to think through a mythology-themed beginning-reader series. I'm looking for someone w/ a commercial/punchy, character-forward style who can breath life into ancient lore.
Please respond w/ samples + folio link.
Please no emails/DMs.
💙❤️ #artcommissions
September 19, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Hey #kidlit illustrators!
We’re beginning to think through a mythology-themed beginning-reader series. I'm looking for someone w/ a commercial/punchy, character-forward style who can breath life into ancient lore.
Please respond w/ samples + folio link.
Please no emails/DMs.
💙❤️ #artcommissions
We’re beginning to think through a mythology-themed beginning-reader series. I'm looking for someone w/ a commercial/punchy, character-forward style who can breath life into ancient lore.
Please respond w/ samples + folio link.
Please no emails/DMs.
💙❤️ #artcommissions
Reposted by Airen Hall
And that's just from the Pragmatist side, just WAIT until I bust out the Confucian and classical Japanese aesthetics, both of which argue that damaging our ability to appreciate art is to damage our very humanity, our ability to HAVE experience.
September 16, 2025 at 6:09 AM
And that's just from the Pragmatist side, just WAIT until I bust out the Confucian and classical Japanese aesthetics, both of which argue that damaging our ability to appreciate art is to damage our very humanity, our ability to HAVE experience.
Reposted by Airen Hall
No but actually, art enables us to share experience across difference. Indeed, there are some things that are best communicated through art and any situation that damages our ability to appreciate art damages our ability to communicate across difference.
You know it’s a grievance I have that probably shouldn’t rank as highly as it does but it pisses me off that as a result of All This our ability to culturally appreciate art & have access to art will be worse off. Yes, art is my favorite thing, but also I think it’s objectively a really bad thing.
September 16, 2025 at 6:09 AM
No but actually, art enables us to share experience across difference. Indeed, there are some things that are best communicated through art and any situation that damages our ability to appreciate art damages our ability to communicate across difference.