After looking back on 2016 in my last post, now it’s time to look forward.
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. It too often feels like the purpose of a resolution is to make some sort of big change in life – implying that there is something wrong to begin with. And resolutions always seem drastic, impractical, and unsustainable. While I am far from perfect, I actually like my life, who I am, and where I’m going. I don’t feel a need to “resolve” to do anything extreme.
I do tend to get contemplative around the new year. There’s just something about having a fresh start and new opportunities ahead. It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of life, dealing with both the big and the little obstacles that come up. And it’s easy to lose track of who you are (or want to be) at heart. The start of a new year is a chance to reflect and evaluate, refocus and redirect, and maybe set new goals or find a fresh purpose.
Renewal.
This is the one word keeps coming to mind when I think about the coming year.
I’m an artist and creator. This is how I view myself; I’ve always been an artist at heart. In reality, I haven’t produced much artwork for a long time. Sure, I have plenty of good excuses – which all basically add up to “real life gets in the way.” But if this is such an essential part of myself – a core element of how I define myself – why should I let it be obscured? For me, 2017 will largely be about renewing the artist in me.
In a practical sense, this means devoting more time and energy to my artwork. Here’s a list of activities, ideas, and aspirations toward that end. (This is not a task list; it’s more like a possibilities list.)
- Create space for artistic endeavors. This is actually very challenging for me. I’m a slob and a horrible housekeeper. But a clear space and organized supplies will really be a huge step in being about to actively and regularly engage in creative projects.
- Continue with ceramics. I’ve had a great start in this art form. Keep it up and make more cool and beautiful pieces.
- Draw and paint more – both with traditional and digital media.
- Design and sew. Make stuff.
- Sell designs and artwork through print-on-demand sites. This requires setting up or revamping my presence on sites, such as: Zazzle, Café Press, Redbubble, Society 6.
- Start an Etsy shop (or something similar).
- Sell at a craft fair.
- Sell at a convention Artist Alley.
- Build my brand. Develop my website.
So there it is – pieces of the vision of where I’d like to be headed. It will be interesting to see where my journey will take me this coming year.