Blog

As we navigate through the holidays and festivities of the year's end, often we are confronted with where we find ourselves.  Relationships, geographical locations, health issues, "soul" issues.  We are reminded of times that we remember in the past, those snippets of memory that are pressed in our hearts.  Some are joyful and bring a warm glow to our spirits, while others recall heartbreak and disappointment.  We look at where we are, and where we wish we were.  We wrap ourselves in our traditions, and find reassurance in those times that resonate in our psyche.  

I am in the process of clearing out my art work space.  Some things are so long ago in my experience, and the remnants of those growing opportunities have served their purpose.  It's time to move on.  I don't need to keep the supplies I accumulated, or the equipment I used processing them.  Sell them, or donate them to a worthy group of growing artists.  Clear away the clutter that is distracting, focus on the tasks at hand.  Often the process of organizing materials reveals supplies I didn't even know I  had purchased!  Recently I set up an encaustic (hot wax) work studio separated from my usual painting space.  The demands of the medium require space for specific materials, and for processes that involve 1)risk of heat and FIRE, and 2) need for better ventilation.  The new space is enticing, and I often have to tear myself away from it to return to my traditional painting. I can already see that I have a learning curve, and exploration to do, but what a prospect!

So the new year is looming, with new decisions, new challenges, new opportunities.  My transition back to full time artist from long years of a split personality of public work/professional artist will bring much joy (and hopefully only a few moments of anxiety) to the coming days.  With it, I am sure will come times of scratching my head and saying "What was I thinking?" and maybe even a few "Glory Hallelujah!" moments as well.  Following my heart and controlling my own time will be an adventure.  But isn't that what we are about as artists, and as humans in general -- what we are supposed to do? Aren't we born to push beyond our limits and see what is beyond?  We might struggle, or even fail, but we learn as we go, seeking the "happy" in the everyday.

The new year shines as the old year fades.  Clearing out the baggage, keeping the precious, and anticipating the continued journey is on the charts.  Can't wait to see what lies around the next bend!