Switching gears from the last couple of posts….
Initially, when I realized that we’re sneaking up on a New Year, I thought I’d write a lengthy post on my goals for 2008. Instead, I found myself on the Art Biz Blog the other day and perused Alyson’s posts until this one caught my eye. It wasn’t so much the title that caught my attention “Plan your art career wins for 2008″, but rather the small amount of text that precedes her podcast that spoke to me:
This is my favorite action to share each year. Take time to write down all you have accomplished instead of focusing on what is yet to be done.
I like this idea a lot! It’s not about resolutions, but rather a reflection on the good things that have transpired the last year. So, with no further ado, I give you a list of things that I’m thankful to have accomplished in the last 365 days in no particular order.
- I’ve managed to avoid getting a 9-5 job so that I’m available for my daughter before and after school - something about which I feel very good.
- I’ve secured 4 clay teaching gigs for next summer at the Art Student’s League of Denver and Anderson Ranch Arts Center.
- I’ve left the communal studios of the Art Student’s League and set up my own studio at home fondly named “el garagio”.
- I became a substitute teacher in Denver Public Schools which has opened my eyes to how wonderful it is to work with children.
- I started teaching clay classes after school in Denver which allows me to share my love of art and clay with other people - there is nothing more rewarding to me than having a child tell me how they can’t wait for Monday/Tuesday afternoon to work with clay
- I have made a lot of new contacts and friends that I hope to nurture in 2008 virtually and in real life.
- I embarked on a lot of learning and education this past year to help my art business - though it also spills over into my personal life such as learning HTML & other computer programs, reading and taking one of Alyson’s art marketing classes.
- I have volunteered many hours at my daughter’s school and have learned that I’m a good fund raiser when I believe in the cause
- My work has been placed at the ArtHaus66 Gallery in Albuquerque, NM and just received my first commission check.
- I received wholesale inquiries that I’m going to pursue in 2008.
- I’ve participated in 2 large fairs this past year, including the Summer Art Market and the Fancy Tiger First Alternative Craft Fair.
- I’ve donated a lot of my work to causes that are important to me
- I applied for membership to the Colorado Potter’s Guild.
- I bought a larger new kiln that will last me my lifetime.
- My blog is maturing.
- My work is getting better.
- I joined groups both in person and virtually which has allowed me to make new friends and build a stronger community.
- I am realizing what it is I want to accomplish and how I want to live. I have a true vision for 2008 and beyond that I hope to share with you in the new year.
- Best of all, I am creating a life for myself that feels true to me by not compromising my values.
I’m thankful for a lot - and while this list may not be complete, I want to end 2007 and begin 2008 on a positive note.
So from me to you, I wish you a Happy New Year in 2008 - may you have many accomplishments big and small!
Warmly,
Cynthia
Tags: art biz blog, found art project, new year's resolutions
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You’ve had a busy, successful year Cynthia — I hope it continues in 2008. Happy New Year!
And a Happy New Year to you too! It was great to meet you this past summer(in person!) and perhaps we will see each other again in 2008. Maybe when you come down to Albuquerque for your solo show opening at the Arthaus66?
I have met the owner online now, and plan to get my work in there too.(fingers crossed!)
Oh and a friend of mine clicked thru to your shop from my blog and told me she bought one of your pendants. She’s all excited about it!
Peace!
Thank you Andrea - I hope 2008 is stellar for you!
Wouldn’t that be fun, Paula - right now I have a very small presence at ArtHaus since they really specialize in 2-d fine art vs. 3-d fine craft. I think they wanted some more affordable small items on hand for their visitors who may not be ready to purchase a larger more expensive painting. But, you just never know now do ya? Thank so much for referring your friend - she’s going to be extra lucky since she knows you and will be the recipient of one of my first every handmade recycled gift boxes.
Spending the day doing much the same thing - thinking about 2007 and looking ahead to 2008. Sounds like you had a fantastic year. Best wishes for your continued, and expanding success!
I so wish I could walk by that tree with your snowflake.
what a lovely piece of found art
Like the list idea and enjoyed reading yours.
My wishes for the new year have been sketched out lol! seemed fitting since I wanted to start the year all about art
all the best to you cynthia
You have done alot this year. I think that was a good exercise to list accomplishments. Sometimes I think I havent done anything and just been a slug. Then I start looking back at what I have done and it surprises me.
Happy New Year’s Cynthia!
I just know your new year accomplishments will be every bit as good as your past year’s accomplishments!
Love your idea of the “found art” in the park. Wonderful!
Hugs
Chae
Happy New Year Cynthia - may 2008 bring you more of what 2007 did - many successes. Congratulations!
Happy New Year Cynythia. That’s a list to be proud of, and a great prologue to the New Year.
I spent the last day of 2007 similarly, mentally reviewing all we had achieved in the year, and it sure increased my enthusiasm for 2008.
Best wishes for the year to you and your family.
Awesome smowflake!! I’m a big fan of being anonymous;)
HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!
enough said…. for now.
Congtraulations on your accomplishments and have a great 2008. My favorite is not finding a 9-5. For those of us that are self employed artists anything under a 12 hour day would feel as if we were slacking.
Thank you Angela - I feel the same way whenever Jafabrit posts her found art objects around Yellow Springs.
That’s perfect, Jafabrit - I like your “all about the art” take on the new year. Though, I never thought that you did anything less.
That’s just it, Janet - we don’t think we’ve done much, but when you start looking at the minutiae, it all adds up to bigger things.
Thanks Chae, but I’m only copying what others have done before me with the found art. It just seems like such a good thing to do. I often give my work away, but choose a recipient who I know will appreciate and “deserves” to be given the art. This way, I have no control over who finds it.
Thank you Lisa - I’m glad to have met you in person this past year!
Is it really 2008, Denise? Wasn’t the world supposed to end in 1999? or was it 1984? Anyway, Happy New Year to you too!
Well, my snowflake isn’t entirely anonymous, Diana - it’s signed on the back - but someone would have to take the time to decipher my sig. I like the fact that it will hopefully reside in a new home - I hope it makes the person who finds it smile.
Happy Happy New Year to you too, Judi!
Your slacking comment made me smile, Little Like Sand - you’re right, I probably put in as much time as a 9-5er, but it’s according to my schedule and not someone else’s. I like it like that.
I’ve not been blog visiting as I’ve been working on stuff at home instead. Whew! I’m so glad to see you making wonderful strides and think it so much better to look back at accomplishments. We as humans tend to beat out selves right out of creativity by constantly looking at the negative. Life is such a positive force I just believe we ought to live it the best and truest we know how and being positive is such a good start! Kudos to you, Cynthia!
Cynthia, my wishes for you are that your life will continue to be full and fulfilling and that you and those you love will have a wonderful year.
Cheers!
Your found art rocks! We do the same thing in our home no resoultions just a recap of the year and how can we improve upon our personal momentums? (Is that even a word? Ha!
Happy New Year to you and yours, lots of love.
“We as humans tend to beat out selves right out of creativity by constantly looking at the negative.”Amen Mary!
Thank you, Dinahmow - I wish you the same!
I like “personal momentums”, Heather - it implies positive forward movement.
You go girl! You’ve got a wonderful list of accomplishments. Nothing can hold you back … way to go Cynthia. More continued success fot 2008.
Happpy New Year
Thank you Nancy - I feel good right now.
OK Cynthia, you encouraged me to do the same. Here’s my own post reflecting on my past year as an artist.
Heartfelt congrats on your wonderful year! It’s so thrilling and inspiring reading about artists who make good, happy livings with their talents.
p.s. I am so taken with that snowflake!