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I'm extremely fortunate to be able to spend my time making art. I've been doing this in some form or other for over a decade now. But until this year I have not been able to apply myself to my art practice in a CONSISTENT way. I have had to make time for other things and be ready to be distracted by whoever or whatever needs me.
The most frustrating part of this 'staccato' existence, with it's frequent starts and stops, is the way that we lose track of what we are doing and have to start the whole creative flow process again. By the end of 2023 I was getting annoyed with myself. I decided that I had to make a change. I decided that 2024 was the year that I would commit to work on my art practice with CONSISTENCY - and I gave myself an ultimatum. I said that if I did not find a way to make my art practice work during 2024, I would look for employment elsewhere and make art my hobby.
I made 3 important changes to the way that I worked in 2024:
I created a STUDIO JOURNAL where I recorded all my plans and everything that I did in my art practice and my art business.
I found a MASTERMINDING PARTNER - another artist who I trusted, with whom I had regular meetings to discuss ideas. This person also acted as an accountability partner for me.
I made more of an effort to NETWORK with other artists and arts organisations.
I have worked harder on my art this year than I have ever done before. I have made new work, explored materials and processes and come up with new ways of creating my art. I have created several bodies of work and exhibited in a number of different galleries and shows. I have developed and delivered a workshop at one of Bristol's leading art institutions (something that I could have only dreamed of at the start of this year). There have been sacrifices, but for me this year:
THE DEFINITION OF LUXURY IS
UNDISTURBED TIME TO WORK
You can see some pages from my Studio Journal in the videos above and below. If you would like to know more about how I created this journal you can subscribe to my newsletter.
As we come to the end of 2024 I have written a review of the year, looking at the work I made, creative breakthroughs, opportunities to exhibit, connections made and work sold. This was so much easier because I made sure that I wrote in my studio journal EVERY DAY. Not just the days where I made art, but every day - recording days off as well as days when I was working. I recorded everything - ideas, conversations, sales, important dates, and more. It's not a beautiful thing, but it is a resource that I will continue to use well beyond 2024.
I have already begun to create my 2025 Studio Journal. My goal this year is to capitalise on the progress made in 2024. I will also get out from my studio more - explore the world and make new connections. I'm looking forward to seeing what the New Year will bring!
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