I meant to post on New Year's Day--whoops. Got sick, got busy, and got too much out of my routine. So, anyway, Happy 2009! I can hardly believe its here. I have been thinking about what I wanted to accomplish in the new year, things I want to change, things I want to continue with.
My theme for 2008 was "Create in '08", and I think I did just that. It was almost too much. I feel like I am coming down from an art frenzy of sorts, where I did a little bit of everything--quilting, fat books, skinny books, ATCs, jewelry, collage, painting, etc. I accomplished several goals that I had, plus some new ones that I hadn't seen coming. Five of my quilts were accepted into Art Quilt shows, I co-authored a mixed media art book, one of my quilts was published in Quilting Arts Magazine, and I taught at a fabulous Quilt Retreat. I learned so much, and really enjoyed the trip along the way in 2008.
But, here in 2009, I am feeling a little bit overwhelmed and unfocused. I have my hand in too many pots, and so I have spent the past few weeks taking a good look at what I want to do, and how much time I have, and am having to make some tough decisions about what I can keep in my life and what I need to let go. Difficult for me, because I WANT IT ALL! I want to be a good wife and mom to 2 small children, and a successful business woman and artist. I have been trying to cram it all in, and I have come to the realization that I can't do it all. Bummer. So my theme for 2009 is "FOCUS". Ya, wish me luck with that!
Among other things, I need to spend a little more time reviving my quilt pattern business. I haven't kept up with it, and I would like to refocus on that. I am also focusing on finishing some of my traditional quilt UFOs (Un-Finished Objects). I have a neat little database where I keep track of all of my projects. Currently, I have 40 quilt tops that need to be quilted, and 51 UFOs in various stages of completion. Ugh--I hate having that hang over my head. I feel suffocated. I have been going through them for the past couple of years and donating several projects that I know that I won't ever finish. I don't have a problem letting them go. I am also revising the plans for some--turning them into smaller pieces or cutting them up for postcards. I want to make a major dent in them this year!
I have to learn how to say no to swaps--another tough one! I have several swaps to finish out that I have already committed to, and I am not saying that I won't be swapping any more, but I am definitely going to have to pick and choose what I participate in. That is going to be hard for me, because I love the challenge and I love to see what other artists are doing. But my time is very limited, so....
I am looking forward to a couple of teaching venues that I have set up for 2009. I was invited to be the guest speaker for the Sew Creative Club at Ann Silva's Bernina Sewing Center in Albuquerque on Feb. 3rd, and on Feb. 7th, I will be offering two classes--Plethora of Pots and Book this Class. I am also going to be teaching a mixed media postcard workshop at the Fiber Arts Fiesta in May. I am really looking forward to branching out to other venues like this, and I hope to book some more for later in 2009 and 2010.
Comments welcome--what are your Art Resolutions for 2009?
5 comments:
Those of us who know you are always amazed by what you create and you are an inspiration to us. Pick and choose and be happy (just choose us).
Ginny
Thanks Ginny! I always appreciate your kind words and support, and of course, inspiration from you too!
Good Gracios woman!! When you list all that you did in 2008 doesn't it make your tired?????? Proud for sure and accomplished, Yes , but rmember that your little ones will be grown in a flash!!! this has just jumped up and slapped me in the head- my baby boy turned 17 yesterday and he is off to college in a year!!
Give yor self lots of time to be and do with your little ones and to document and cherish those special times with them!! Time for swap will always be there!!
You do such fabulous work and I can't wait to get my hands on this book- I am so thrilled that I own some of your fiber postcards!! Lucky me!!!
I am in the midst of a total cleanout of my studio and I resolve to keep it FUNCTIONALLY WORKABLE (for me anyway) for teh entire year!!
Hugs!
Elizabeth in VA
Hi Elizabeth--you are so sweet! Yes, the kiddos are growing up so fast, and it is becoming a blur, so I know that I need to slow down and savor it! Good luck with your studio clean out and keeping organized--I struggle with that myself!
That's my motto, "focus, focus, focus". That's why you don't see me get involved in a lot of extra stuff that our energetic art group likes to explore. Little ones grow up fast. It seems like you'll never have time for your own projects, but they are your most precious and lasting projects, and time does open up later, and then you wonder how did they get to be adults. Focus & direction is a good motto for you, so you can survive your "type a" art genius.
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