As I wind up 2021 and start to add more of my new pieces to the site, I realized I haven't actually taken the time to post here at all. Probably multiple reasons — work, life, painting, teaching ... however, I think the main reason is because I journal and sketch every day. This is part of my process for creating art. I dump my thoughts on a page - sometimes I even tear the pages up after - inevitably this leads to me sketching and arriving at a concept for a new piece. Maybe I should scan those pages and load them on the blog lol. So I think between social media posts, sharing art experiences in studio and journaling, what happens is that I feel like I've already shared.

Well since I have been neglecting this page I will recap a little of the 2021 'highlights' and 'low lights'. I am coming up on the second year anniversary of my studio in Hamilton. That's right, it directly correlates to the pandemic timeline, so you might guess it's been a bumpy ride. Took the space just pre-lockdown and couldn't actually open it up to share until late summer 2020 - well you know what it's been like since then. Between restrictions, 'pivoting' to virtual, and trying to get to know my Hamilton community (mostly virtually) it has presented and continues to present new and ongoing challenges. No idea where it might head in 2022 but I do hope the virtual support I've experienced and the limited number of new clients is a strong foundation to a healthy future for the studio, which in turn means for me, other artists and the arts industry.

All of that has of course impacted my artwork. In an ideal world you'd think the level of isolation (artists often work alone so at first it was not an issue at all) we've all experienced, and a lack of new business would present opportunities to create, create, create, paint, paint, paint, but in fact it can be somewhat debilitating. I do continue to paint, draw and concept new work however I haven't felt the need to share it through the usual channels (social media etc.). Maybe because it felt like a very personal journey through the Covid experience. Perhaps because sometimes the daily news was (and is again) so disturbing that my art felt insignificant in the face of that.

However, that being said, I do believe in the power of art and trust that my contributions assist and empower many to consider their own personal strengths and grow relationships in positive and healthy directions.

In January 2021 my art took a new turn - I went from vibrant, colourful paintings to black, white and grey art. It wasn't deliberate it just evolved and I haven't been able to move back to full colour yet. I'm calling this my 'pandemic palette'. The shift in colour did not change the series' direction only how the concepts present. I'm not complaining, it's been a wonderful exploration in the colours of black, abstraction, mixed media and minimalism. I don't see it changing any time soon - I'll just continue to work with it.

Personally, I've had friendships strengthened, new relationships evolved on an interesting level, family health issues (one specific to Covid), related challenges to supporting others (hospital restrictions), editing to living minimally, a far less active social life, ongoing realizations of the value of communication and significant interaction, ultimately, I'm trying to live well and contribute to the well-being of others.

I do believe the world will heal but it has a long way to go.

For 2022 I wish you and the world a life of happiness, great health and creativity that surpasses your expectations.

#newyearreflections #artistlife #happynewyear