Sweetpea's

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

thoughts on 2008

It's unusual for me to sit down and write a post without an actual thought on what to write about. My mind is a bit mumbly-jumbly at the moment. I find myself with goals and thoughts on how to start the New Year.

When I was younger, I did not care to make New Year "goals" and "resolutions". I just kind of went with the flow of things. Even though that thinking is still attractive to me, I realize the grownup in me needs to be a little more, shall we say "organized".

The holidays for us is extremely busy. I have not been in my studio since Thanksgiving. I seem to go on overdrive for the holidays, and find that it's hard for me to get creative. My studio is a complete mess, and I've got to get up there and do some serious cleaning before I can start again. I've found myself muttering and sighing for the past month, "after the holidays". Now it's here, and I'm not really sure where to start.

In the fall, I am electrified by creative thoughts and ideas. Luckily, I kept a journal on these and after the cleaning out proccess, I can open that journal and start to create again.

Though I love to make jewelry (and will continue to do so) I have many new projects I'd like to work on. The big question is how to find the time to accomplish what is most important to me. I've decided that Junque Revival does not need to be a money making machine. I have a part-time job that is sufficient. I've learned that I need to create what my mind is yearning to do. I need to follow my heart, instead of worrying if the shop has enough pieces for sale to keep it attractive and busy. If I can just let go, I think my art could take on a whole new level. I'm sure this is a proccess that many of you struggle with. I have built up such a great following over at Junque Revival, that I am afraid to let some of you down. Will you swing by the shop and see that there isn't much in the way of jewelry, get bored and stop coming? Do you come by strictly for the jewelry? Would you still find it a fun place to visit if I started to add different pieces of art? Like I said, I need to let go of these worries, and just "do".

So here is what I'm shooting for....

I'd like to get involved with submitting work to various publications.

I'd like to be involved in more swaps

I'd like to do something fun with Studio Works

I'd like to create some mixed media art that is not jewelry

I'd like to go to at least one art retreat and take classes from some of my favorite artists

I'd like to find the time to take care of myself with outdoor activity that I'd always loved (snowshoing, kayaking, gardening)

I'd like to work on some much needed restorations to this house

I'd like to spend more time with the nieces and nephews

I guess it doesn't seem so bad or daunting when it's written out like this. Just take it one day at a time, right?

I think one of the first places I'll start is to try and to commit to my dear friend Leah's Create Every Day 2008 project. I'm thinking this just might be the kick in the pants I need.

I am very interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas, as I know many of you struggle with the same issues. If we could just give eachother a little push, a bit of positive karma and maybe some advice, we might open new doors for others and learn something new that could be useful to us.

I have thought about starting a blog where we could share our experiences, our art and our ideas. I am just in the "thinking" stage of this, and again, would love to hear your thoughts. If you think you may be interested in becoming involved in something like this let me know. I'll see what you all have to say, and we'll take it from there. If we decide to go this route, I'll be looking for dedicated artists who would like to write posts on a permanent basis. Subject matter will vary on anything from successful Indie shops to instructional art projects, to studio spaces, swaps and projects. I am thinking it may be a good space for folks to mention various shows that are coming in their area.

OK...I have to laugh at myself!! I started this post not knowing where to start, and as usual, I can find the words to express what I'm thinking through writing. If we had been having this conversation face to face, you probably wouldn't have gotten a word in!

HAPPY 2008 friends! Here's to getting that ball rolling!