Reflections and a Look Forward
Like many, I started off the year with big ideas, some half thought out plans and a couple number oriented goals. My goals for 2024 were to create work that was vibrantly me, use time intentionally, feel inspired through each step of the process, make consistent and sustainable price points, and have a joy-filled process. Upon reflection I think I was able to create work that felt like me and I definitely made improvements on a more consistent and sustainable pricing structure. I think my time management and creative process could still be improved but that Is just part of being an artist and having many creative whims and flexibility.
I was a bit more organized as far as inventory and workflow so here is SIFT +STACK’s 2024 by the numbers:
9 Collections (as compared to 5 Collections in 2023)
Participated in 1 Exhibit (as compared to 2 Exhibits in 2023)
8 markets (as compared to 6 Markets in 2023)
Made 30 mugs
Painted 10 paintings on canvas
47 Works on paper (2024 was the year of paper over here!)
Taught 3 Community Classes
1 Live Painting Event ( 1 in 2023)
1 major studio renovation
And of course 1 hurricane!
I am so extremely proud of the work I was able to make and share this year.
Upon the suggestion of my high school youth minister back in the twenty-aughts, I used to choose a theme word each year. I sort of stopped because 1 word didn't really resonate but I am going to revive the practice this year. 2025’s “word” (more like phrase) is “Finding Joy”. I was listening to the Art Coaching Club Podcast and one of the guest artists was discussing how finding joy through not only the creative process but also the marketing and the sales is so important to prevent burn out. She credited her engagement to having fun even with the awkward social media. This has stuck with me. I am hoping to find joy in both the mundane tasks of being an adult, managing a small business and of course through each piece I create. I keep going back and forth whether it should in fact be “looking for Joy” or “choosing joy” because I think Joy is always there but we miss it or ignore it. It is easier to be a cynic.
In a more practical sense I do have a couple goals or plans I am excited for in the upcoming months. I am going to try to teach more community arts classes. I have 2 lined up at Gertrude Herbert (a local arts center) and I have a couple I am trying to pull together at my newly renovated studio! I love teaching so if trying a new artsy thing is on your 2025 bingo card, please come join me! I am also taking some dream projects off of the back burner to focus on for upcoming collections. I want to keep it a bit of a surprise for now but just think of lights and tondos! Here is my visual mood board for the year- all things colorful, floral textiles, and pattern mixing on modern 70’s interior decor. I can’t wait to Find Joy through the year with you. Happy 2025 friends!
Pinterest Mood Board for 2025