Years back I would to commit to New Year’s resolutions, only to break them within days or even hours of making them. It left me feeling weak. My solution: don’t make resolutions. If you don’t make them, you can’t break them. Got to love logic like that.
Looking Back
I’m not sure precisely when it started, but at least a decade ago, I either chose a project and/or word to commit to at the beginning of each year. I find my choices although varied are basically the same. I focus on having the courage to do things outside of my comfort zone. A perfect example is putting my artwork out there, all my artwork, even what I am working on. It is a very vulnerable thing to do. Doubt and insecurity is as much of the process, as a sense of accomplishment or joy of creating.
Looking Forward
This year’s word is BRAVE. It won’t change what I do this year, but I hope during moments of uncertainty and challenge, it will act as a reminder. I frequently turn to “I am brave” as my Sankalpa at the beginning of a yoga practice. A Sankalpa is one’s intention. This morning I took my 6 a.m. yoga sculpt (a Vinyassa Flow class interspersed with weight work and cardio exercises) with three other women. I was the oldest, at age 66, by more than 25 years.
How will I be brave with my art this year?
- I will enter exhibitions;
- I will participate in my town’s Open Studios;
- I will join Art Quilt Challenge for a project this January;
- I will provide work for SAQA’s Spot Light and Benefit Auctions; and
- I will work on series of 4″ x 6″ pieces, when I am far more comfortable working at larger scale.
What are your thoughts on resolutions? How do you keep yourself on track, allow for growth and exploration?
I am linking up with Nina Marie’s Off the Wall Fridays.
I’ve nothing “brave” to commit to vis a vis my art — except that I will be “on stage” as the Featured Artist at the local Art Show & Sale in April. That will take a good dose of courage as I educate The Public in Bed Quilt Central about art quilts! 😉
The other brave thing? If I don’t chicken out…it will be an application to my very first artist’s residence call. For a cabin in Glacier National Park (the Canadian one) in July. We shall see if I am brave enough even to apply!
Nothing ventured; nothing gained, eh, Margaret? It does take courage to put ourselves out there. There are many in the traditional quilt camp who remain there because they are comfortable there, but they are itching to give art quilting a try, just don’t know where to begin. You will be an inspiration. I’ve been curious about what it would be like to be an Artist in Residence for years. Like you, I applied for the first time this year. I’m trying for Acadia National Park in Maine. The odds are approximately 4:150. I’ve already received the preliminary letter telling me 150 applied. They take 4 visual artists. On the plus side, they state that many of the applicants are landscape photographers and they like to accept artists in variety of fields. Fingers crossed for both of us.