june at noon

In 2012, I think my overall theme will probably be “Carry On.” 2011 was a good year. I enjoyed the direction my creative journey took me, and on a personal level, I began to understand and accept who I am for the first time ever. That’s a really cool feeling! (And such a relief. Not knowing who you are or being confident about who you are is an incredibly frustrating feeling—thirty-plus years of that was plenty, thank you!)

I’d like to keep moving in the same direction, becoming more comfortable with myself and growing into myself more and more, both as an artist and as a person. With that in mind, I’ve set some specific, attainable goals for 2012:

1. Continue to grow as an artist, building skills (maybe take some more classes) and developing my personal style. This includes focusing on my “likes”: ink, graphite, watercolor, mixed media, themes of storytelling, imagination, and the relationship between people and animals.

2. Increase sales of artwork online and pursue possibilities for selling in brick-and-mortar stores locally. I’ve already got one wholesale relationship with a local yarn shop, and there are a lot of other shops in this town where I might build similar relationships.

3. Become a recognizable figure in the art world. I’m not talking celebrity here, just becoming an artist whose work some people might recognize and admire, as I do with so many others. That’s a pretty ambitious goal (even feels a little self-important) considering how many amazing artists are out there, but at least one goal has to shoot for the stars, right?

4. Make time for some “background” projects that I enjoy: sewing, crochet, knitting, paper-cutting, etc. I want to continue to cherish the rich heritage of making things by hand that are both useful and beautiful. This includes continuing to have a “handmade home.”

5. Become a runner. I have liked to run in the past, but until last Summer I was never fit enough to really enjoy it. (You know, when you’re past the point of feeling like you’re going to die and can actually relish the feeling of using strong muscles?) After a spontaneous 5k run on the beach, something I’d never done before and didn’t even know I could do, I realized just how much I love running. Sadly, I took too many months off from exercise and am back at the start, so this year I’d like to get back in shape and then set some “beginner” goals: participate in some 5ks, maybe work to a 10k by the end of the summer. I’d like to make running a more regular part of my life.

There are other bigger, more personal goals floating around in my head, but I think these smaller things will contribute to the bigger things. By pursuing dreams and taking care of myself, I will hopefully enjoy positive outpourings into my relationships, my family, etc. That’s the way to do it, I think, one small bit at a time.

(The artwork you see here are two pieces done as birthday gifts at the end of 2011. A bit different from my usual, but tailored to the recipients, and I’m quite pleased with them.)