Twenty-twelve felt to me like the Year of the Slug. Or the Sloth. No, wait, the Sludge. Really, just fill in any slow-moving something-or-other and you’ll have the idea.
If you look at the stats—number of blog posts, number of actual items created, number of items sold—in comparison to previous years, it wasn’t terribly productive. And it felt even less productive than it was. That would be okay, really, if it were just because I was being relaxed and had good reasons for not creating. But I want to be doing creative things and am finding myself immobile for some reason. It’s very frustrating.
In light of all that sluggishness, I almost didn’t bother with my usual year-in-review post. Still, taking a belated look through 2012′s photos and seeing that I did make some things, even if they were more needs-oriented (I need a gift, I need wrapping paper, I need bread, etc.), does make me feel better. So here’s a quick look at 2012 from the rear-view mirror.
As for my goals for 2012 (find them here), the first three related to growing as an artist, and if I’m being honest, I just didn’t do much at all to achieve those goals. I dabbled here and there, but the drive was missing. I did not produce a single new piece for the shop, did not work on finding other selling avenues, did not mix and mingle in the arty community.
Those are all still things I’d like to do, but it’s clear to me that I won’t be able to do them well as long as I’m in this period of inertia. This isn’t meant to be a high-pressure thing, I won’t let it be, but there are dreams, and I really do hope 2013 shows a little more movement in the creative department.
My big accomplishment for the year was achieving goal #5: become a runner. I blew this one right out of the water! Not only did I reach a comfortable 5k (3.1 miles) distance and then move up to 10k (6.2 miles), I ran my first half marathon in November. That’s 13.1 miles, folks. All at the same time. I also ran a total of 413 miles for the year! I am not normally a very athletic or active person, so this is a real accomplishment for me. It’s truly amazing what we can do if we determine to see it through.
All said, it was not my most spectacular year. There is definite frustration over the loss of the creative mojo. I am trying to take it in stride, to remember that there are always ebbs and flows with my moody creative self. It’s a tough balance, though, to be relaxed and flexible but still have dreams to achieve.
Moving forward, I’m going to do my best to sit back and see what happens, to be open to what might come next, even if that’s more quiet. But I am also going to attempt some forward momentum and set a few goals for 2013. I’ll be back with those next time, and then we’ll just see if I can at least make it the Year of the Oxen (labored and lumbering, but moving ahead anyway). Or something like that!
Congrats on becoming a runner! That is a major acheivement… I am quite envious! :) Hope you get your creative mojo back and have a wondeful 2013! :)
written on January 14th, 2013, at 4:14 pmyup, that was 2012! here’s to finding the satisfaction of creating in it’s most pure form :)
written on January 14th, 2013, at 9:00 pmxx
Well, I can certainly understand exactly what you’re talking about. I’ve been in a similar slump so apparently it has something to do with the tide, the moon, which way the wind is blowing…… sigh…. I’ll try to get out of my slump if you’ll grab my hand, and I’ll grab your hand and pull you out of yours.. deal? But Gretchen – you have one huge thing you forgot to mention: moving a family into a new home, getting acclimated into a new neighborhood, etc. is no small task! My congratulations have been with you all along on the running. I’m extremely impressed with that. So – get out those art supplies! of any kind!
written on January 15th, 2013, at 5:58 pmAnd Gretchen — how did I miss that cool book, bottom right corner! When was that post – I’d love to see what you did there. Me and my book addiction :>}
written on January 15th, 2013, at 6:00 pmSlumps are only natural. They’re frustrating, for certain, but even the most lauded artists in history had their creative droughts. It’ll come.
Congrats on your accomplishments! As someone who’s never managed to grab onto the running thing, I admire your dedication to the sport – wow! So many of your projects this year made me smile widely; thanks for the reminder. :-)
written on January 18th, 2013, at 8:52 am[...] immediately after writing out my 2012 review and my 2013 goals, I was hit by a surge of creative drive. Not always energy. Not always [...]
written on January 24th, 2013, at 9:50 am