My favorite holiday of the year is New Year's -- most particularly New Year's Eve. In my mind New Year's Eve is a magical day in which new personal goals, hopes and dreams for the upcoming year are created; and mistakes, regrets, negative feelings and thoughts that occurred during the past year are forgiven, forgotten, and put aside forever.
In 2009 I managed to pare down my hours at the development firm to part time and have committed to living a more artful life. Obviously this has had a bit of a financial impact on my in-bound cash flow situation but I'm fortunate to have ample reserves and have decided it's now or never. Besides--the phrase "starving artist" is NOT in my vocabulary. Nor is it an option!
One of my many 2010 goals is to create and implement a marketing plan for my gallery and art. I'll be reworking my website; beginning a regular newsletter; participating in more art competitions and shows; teaching classes (glass, lampworking; upcycled art and collage); consciously creating a web presence (this blog; ETSY; EBay: Artfire; etc.) and doing more networking with fellow artists. I'm also spending more time creating -- both at the gallery downtown and in my glass studio.
A concept I was considering was painting 100 paintings in 100 days for $100 -- I have already purchased 2 cases of 12" x 12" canvases and have started working on some sketches. Being the commitment-phobe that I am I have doubts that I can handle the pressure of creating 100 works in 100 days but rest assured -- there will be 100 new paintings for $100 in 2010!
Baby steps.....I have to remember to take baby steps.
Happy New Year's!!
JJ
Ok...did you see Julie and Julia over the holiday too? If not, I'd suggest you do. It will carry you through this marathon. Happy- happy-happy times ahead.
ReplyDeleteI have the same feeling about the New Year. I used to view it as a time of review and would get depressed about what I hadn't done. About 6 years ago I held my first "Goal Party" and totally switched it up. Now I view January like an "etch-a-sketch"... everything is wiped clean and I get to redraw my year. Amazing how perspective changes everything. I think your idea of 100 paintings is really cool. Can't wait to see what evolves from your 2010 energy!!
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