New and improved Art Life Newsletter+Blog (I think LOL)
Long story short, I moved in my weekly newsletter that I used to send separately and combining it with the Substack blog. The end.
Bear with me as I try to get this right. I’ve been busy the past month and making new adjustments with written content going into 2024. As I work through my list of new projects for the new year, I take time to reflect on what I’ve done. I made some new art friends, sold some work, got one of my pieces published in an art book, and participated in a few art calls. This was my year for sure but it wouldn’t have been possible if I stayed in the same place and unwilling to take chances.
2023 is coming to a close and it’s been a good year.
Where did the time go? Hopefully you didn’t squander it away. I won’t preach on how you should use your time but I do hope this year has been good to you. Where did you go? What did you do and was it worth it? This year has brought it’s share of highs and lows but I’m not mad at it. How can I be? This was my breakthrough year not only as an artist but also with overcoming the mental obstacles that kept me bound for so long. I finally got out of my head (for real this time) and got to work, mentally and spiritually.
It’s January. Still thrilled that I made this leap of faith to explore this side of artistry. It was a fresh start because I was no longer managing two businesses. Pivoting into making art with secondhand denim was a good move but something was missing. The connection and authenticity was lost. I would stare at these paintings for days - something rushed and what I would later call it bullshit work. “What am I trying to do and what’s the urgency?” I wanted out of my job as a legal assistant and I was eager to make money, live off of it and take care of my family. I had set unrealistic expectations on myself too soon. My job isn’t terrible, but it didn’t stimulate me like art does. Thank goodness I had my coach, Karen, to help me along the way. We learned about the saboteurs that plagued me. The perfectionism, seeking validation and longing to connect with other creatives that would listen had added to my anxiety. “Whew! It was too much to handle.”
It’s 4am and I’m up with my thoughts, insomnia at it’s worse. I grabbed my art supplies, headphones and coffee and sat in my dimly lit living room. My mindless doodling became my new norm during these quiet moments. My playlist of R&B, rap and lofi was my mood. This is when God and I meet while I’m drawing, listening and reflecting. I drew but the only feelings I had about my doodles were that I was happy I made them. I ask myself “Do other artists feel like this about their work?” In the Spring, I participated in my first small business pop up shop. The sweet woman seated next to me spoils me with her homemade cookies as was laugh at her inappropriate jokes and stories. The highlight of this event was not just the interactions, but the interpretations. I wasn’t expecting it but yet intrigued. The customers shared their interpretations and stories that reminded them of significant times of love, sorrow and healing. I was attentive as their stories pulled me into their world. “I never would’ve thought that my art would have such an impact like this so soon.”
Summertime. Connecting with creatives was slow and trying to attend local art shows after working a long week was difficult. A lesson I learned from my reselling days was to take advantage of times like this because there was plenty to work on. Once again, I was met with the question of transparency. “Damn what’s wrong with me this time?” A necessary awakening crept upon me while working on a denim piece This is Healing. The voice in my head was yelling “When are you gonna stop holding back? Let that shit go. It doesn’t need to be clean and straight. It just needs to be you. Be fluid with your style. Once you find it, you found your voice.” So I did.
Working outside, attending art shows, talking to artists and ceaselessly creating has taught me to screw what other’s think about me and to not be so hard on myself. I make art for me first and the people that need to see it, will see it. Where would I be without the support from my fellow creatives? Each of them playing a significant role in my life. Instagram was slowly becoming this abandoned and worthless platform and many of us are holding onto it by a thread. Then Threads appears and I found my kind of people. This doesn’t take the place of connecting with anyone in person but it’s pleasing to know that someone miles away from me appreciates me. They find me genuine, inspiring and encouraging and look forward to seeing me show up regularly.
No, my work has never been displayed in a gallery longer than a day for critics to oooh and ahhh at it. No, I don’t have a large following but those that choose to stick around find value in what I bring. I’m braver and bolder now and my growth shows in my work. My mother, who isn’t an artist but would make a damn good one if she wanted to, shares words of wisdom about goalsetting. When I asked how does she do it and get what she wants, her response was “Because no one said I couldn’t.” These words exploded in my ears and I felt them so deeply in my heart. I’m taking greater chances because staying in the safe zone gets me nowhere. Quitting is in my rearview because I’ve come so far. I look forward to seeing 2024 and I will continue to bet on me always.
Congratulations on your beautiful journey this year! Cheers to 2024 🖤