Resolutions '07

There is something about the New Year—a sense of new beginnings, or at least a chance to start again—that seems to require making resolutions. Thinking about the past year, the ups and downs, the victories, either big or little, just invites a list of ways or areas to try to improve, to do differently, or just to change. But, of course, what starts out as hopeful, positive, expectant gives in over the year to the reality of disappointment, unexpected detours, or derailment.

So as I look ahead here early in 2007, I am thinking about keeping my resolutions few, simple but to the point; and measure how I’m doing along the way. I think small changes can yield much bigger results if they are focused. Therefore my main resolution for this year:

• To dedicate time every week (daily as possible) to working in the studio. I may only start out 2 hours a day (or 10 to 14 hours a week), but want to strive for consistency. And I intend to increase those hours over the first quarter.

From this, I expect the following to happen:

• I will spend more time and energy drawing. I’m thinking to shoot for filling one to two sketchbooks in the first 3 to 6 months.
• I will experiment more in subject and media.
• I will spend more time reading about art, about other artists and their work, and related topics.
• I will have, by the end of the year, one or two series, or bodies, of works well in hand, and a portfolio ready to use in looking for exhibition venues.

I am encouraged to think out loud here about resolutions by reading the twice weekly letter from the Canadian painter, Robert Genn, titled “The Painters Keys” (I’ve included him under “Links”). His writing and thoughts/advice are so often an inspiration to me, and I would urge any artist, visual or other, to check him out. What he does is to offer to receive resolutions from artists, keep them for a year, and then mail them back for reflection/review at year’s end. A neat idea.

Instead, I intend to keep mine more visible and take stock along the way in my studio journal. Oh, and did I mention I also want to ease up on myself just a little bit over these coming months?

I’d love to hear anyone else’s take on resolutions, and what they might be.

Happy New Year!