Important Studio Update

Hello everyone and happy new year.

I wanted to share a more detailed health update and explain what’s been happening behind the scenes. After visiting a neurosurgeon and undergoing all the necessary exams (MRI, CT scan, and electromyogram), I’ve been diagnosed with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH).

DISH is a condition where excess bone forms along the spine, leading to stiffness, reduced mobility, and pain, particularly in the neck and upper back. This makes concentrating and sculpting for long periods extremely difficult. I am on medication that helps reduce the pain during the day, which fortunately allows me to continue working — but not at the same rate I’ve maintained over the past decade.

This condition has no cure. From here on out, I will be able to manage it with a strict regime of physiotherapy, medication, and kinesiotherapy, along with limiting physical strain. Long sculpting sessions or pushing through pain can worsen symptoms and lead to longer setbacks.

With these new challenges in mind, I need to re-examine how i approach my Patreon. I am going to start operating more like a small studio. With concrete plans already in place, we are moving in a direction to ensure I can continue creating in a sustainable way. I will be making an announcement at the end of the month in regards to these changes.

For this month, releases will happen as promised. The recent delays were due to medical exams and appointments. Today, I’ll be releasing a beautiful sculpt made by our (for now) anonymous friend — Chernabog from Fantasia. As for me, I’ve started working on the Ares bust, which is likely to be ready by mid next week.

I truly appreciate your patience and understanding. Your continued support means more to me than I can express, and it genuinely helps me stay motivated while adapting to this new reality. For any questions you might have, as always you can find me in my Discord every day.

Fotis