Studio Notes: Art year review...
...and some plans
Usually I don’t start reviewing / planning (both for life and art) until somewhere in the first week of January. I call it “The Big Planning Week”.
As the beginning of the year is a little quieter in terms of art making, I decided to share some of the highlights of the past year as well as my thoughts on what should be the focus of my art practice in 2024. In my approach I prefer to think that achievements = reflections and goals = ideas for future explorations.
2023 reflections
Diving into collage helped me to overcome a major creative block and get into the creative flow
Learning further about mixed media helped me to try new supplies and approaches (very grateful to Laura Horn, Jeanne Oliver, Joy Ting, Sandi Hester, Blakely Little and many many more)
Taking part in challenges helped me to become more relaxed in my practice (especially helpful was Sketchbook Revival)
Established a regular practice first time in years - mainly through working in sketchbooks
I started sharing my work, connecting with other creatives and I found so many inspiring artists to follow and learn from
A supportive online community of artists exists!
Learned a lot - still more to learn (see the scientific diagram above)
Overcame my fear of difficult subjects (such as clouds or faces) through practice and repetition
Started appreciating art from a different angle - I started seeing more value and beauty in sketches, early works, experimental pieces and studies
Art and emotions has been a difficult area (Art2Life and Art Lab Podcast have great discussions around this topic)
Embracing existing limitations, learning how to work around them and prioritise art
2024 ideas
A regular, independent and intentional art practice
Introduce a low pressure daily practice (even gluing down one collage paper counts!)
Show up, share more and take part in art challenges
Continue exploring and experimenting without focusing on results
Have fun and fill in lots of sketchbooks
Find a way to work around existing limitations - one idea is to start a plein air practice (my studio space is very small)
Work around the art & emotions side of things
Learn more about creativity and the creative process (read books, collect ideas and exercises)
Just learn more, a lot more (yes, see the scientific diagram above)
I like making these lists because they help me to see the progress I’ve made, even if I had only some small wins. It also helps me to have more clarity, prioritise art in my life and find time for my practice no matter what.
Inspiration:
Being Not Doing in 2024 - Nicholas Wilton
Reviewing the year and our growth - Fail Like an Artist
How was your year? - Art Juice
I wish you a happy creative new year!
Until next time!
Lisa