Carefree Artist: February 2026

2/26/26

RNA is DNA's Friend (Your Friend Too)

mRNA, miRNA, ctRNA, rRNA and others are small molecules essential for all life. It works with DNA to produce proteins and other tasks.

RNA – can’t live without it! Learn more with my book about DNA. It’s available at most online bookstores. See www.MendelCat.com for more info. For ages 6 and up.

2/18/26

The Monk and the Pea: The Roots of Genetics

From PEAS to DNA?

Learn the connection and some other fascinating facts in this activity book. It’s a free download for ages 8 and up at www.MARKiX.net/DNA

2/4/26

World Cancer Day '26

Image of hands of different colors with middle fingers raised with the text, “World Cancer Day, Today give the middle finger to the horrific disease and DEMAND better screening, care, and research funding! Then do it again tomorrow. And keep doing it all year long!”

Last week I lost another friend to cancer. EVERYBODY I know has been touch by cancer in one way or another, yet there are subhumans out there cutting access to care and research funding. Demand better screening, care, and research! Not just today, but every day!

Open Letter to Politicians on World Cancer Day

Dear Politician, Please stop sending me messages requesting money for your campaign. I’m a retired illustrator turned hereditary cancer advocate because of a tragedy in my life. I donate my time, talent, and money to help prevent cancer and save lives. I cannot afford to fund your efforts to win what is basically a popularity contest so you can sit on your pompous ass and do nothing to help some of the most vulnerable among us. Thank you for your attention on this matter! Sincerely, Mark A. Hicks

And this🖕is for the small-minded politician that wouldn’t advance out of committee a hereditary cancer screening bill I fought to get passed for three years.

About this blog/art journal...

The Carefree Artist is about my artistic endeavors and adventures as a professional freelance creative. Posts might feature a cartoon, or a recently published illustration from a book or magazine assignment, or an original piece of art that I might be selling to try and raise funds for my art supply donation project. All with an emphasis on originality.

Why did I name this journal the Carefree Artist*? Actually, it’s really just a wishful sentiment. A professional life in the arts, mine included, is usually anything but carefree. But oh, how wonderful it would be to really be a carefree artist! Living the simple life in a quiet and inspiring location and creating a ton of art just for art's sake!

The name was also inspired by the Carefree Highway. A road that played an important role in my life... More about this journal's name at the bottom of this page.

Please see my website, MARKiX.net, for more info and more samples of my work.

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A Note from the Artist...

As you look around this blog you can’t help but notice a distinct change in the artwork and the tone of the content over the past few years. There’s a good reason for this -- being a cancer caregiver and then the death of my wife due to hereditary cancer. A cancer that was preventable.

I never wanted this blog to be a place where I unloaded anger and sadness because of cancer and grief. I had other plans, more lighthearted and whimsical. But when you have the love of your life take their last breath in your arms because vital genetic info was not shared, it changes everything.

So, I have chosen to use my humble little corner of the world to speak up about hereditary cancer awareness and the unbearable heartache of the untimely loss of a loved one.


	Art, Desert Beginnings, and Someday


	Delicate Sounds of Nature


	First (and Last) Contact


	Drawing Science


	Award-winning Junior Ranger Book


	La Fiesta, NOT Tijuana


	Depressed Post-Impressionist Not Impressed


	A Bad Head Day


	Meet Dusty Pack