While talking with fellow artist and business bestie, she challenged me to post my 'Word of the Year.' I chose DISCIPLINE without thought or hesitation. Towards the end of last year, I resumed my long standing love of journaling most mornings. I was feeling scattered, lost and frightened about the direction of my personal and creative life. I was still going to the studio and creating a massive body of work but my enthusiasm was waning. I had the best year of my art educator career in 2016 and loved every class I taught (and every person I met!) but I didn't feel expansive in the artwork I was creating...in other words, I was in a creative rut. I decided to get up early every morning and write my way to an answer. I know that the answer to all of my problems lays within my daily writing and will present me with the answers I need to move forward confidently. Beyond that, DISCIPLINE will take me to the studio every day. My job is to show up and get to work, the Creative Universe will care of the rest.
I wrote this as an Instagram post on Thursday, January 5, 2017. I was hesitant to post something that would make me so vulnerable. I try to keep my posts on social media art-based, educational or creative lifestyle based and very light. But I need a change in my life. I start every year out committed to making this my best art biz year yet...and as the year goes on, I get wrapped up in life and just can't seem to maintain the momentum. My life is beautiful...I am infinitely blessed on many levels but I want the challenge this year of getting my art career to move forward. I am reaching out to you for support and accountability. I am taking risks with my art work that I am thrilled about. It is VERY different than what I have been focusing on in the past. I will still make the handmade books. I will still print with things I find on my wanderings and outdoor adventures. This is my year of COLOR (bright, bold, vibrant!) and MINI (and I mean teeny tiny). I have a lot of other goals beyond creating art: I have more workshops (many are NEW) this year than any other year and I am creating more summer camps in addition to the 'Creative Girls' Tribe.' I have a lot more treasures up my sleeve in regards to my business that I will unveil as I pound out the ideas in my morning journal. Beyond that, I vow to share more of my personal art--my art journal spreads, my studio, my art making process, my insights through journaling, my successes, failures and frustrations as an artist--and my personal life including my beautiful, creative, funny daughter.
My wish is that you will join me on this journey.