Auld Lang Syne 2011

It is another New Year, and time for those resolutions.

First, though, it is appropriate to look back and think what the successes of this past year have been:

• Publishing a Figure Book with three other artists I respect and like. It has been well received here in the Detroit area. Also a couple of short videos made.


• Our Open Studio and Book Reception. It was a success! Even in the drizzling rain many dear friends, old and new, and some of our favorite figure models, stopped by to support our new book and mingle.

I recommend an open studio to any artist with space that a few people could walk through. It is a lot of work to do it right. But it forces you to spruce things up, think about advertising, right down to pricing your art. Even better, it makes you bring out old and new work, dust them off, and amaze yourself with what you’ve done so far. To then sell something is just heaven.

• My exhibit with Eric and Anne van Leeuwen (Hand-crafted Photography). Also with two artists I like and respect. It was scary/fun to do a show.
• An artist talk and video demonstration on encaustic to a local artist group.
• Entering many shows and being accepted into several, including in both New York and California!

No wonder I’m tired.

Looking ahead now to 2012, there are some new opportunities that beckon, but they’ll come at their own pace. As I pause to think about resolutions, this year I am only going to make two:

1. Go to my room and work. That is a nod to Robert Genn who unknowingly encourages me with his twice-a-week email letters.
2. No Fear. It’s only paper, paint, wax, charcoal, or just found “stuff”. Just do it.