Issue No. 6: Notes From The Studio
Art + Mood: A New Start | Showing up for myself in 2024
Happy New Year!*
*First off, I want to state that I’m here to hold space for ALL kinds of “new year” feelings. Not everyone wants a running start into an arbitrary day on a calendar. Some people have experienced huge losses and setbacks that have led them to hobble into January 1st at best. I’m sending my heartfelt love if that’s what you’re feeling today.
On Christmas Eve I unintentionally found myself alone with my journal reviewing 2023. My teenager was in his bedroom and my husband was sound asleep. And let me tell you, I was NOT feeling very festive.
Even though I felt extremely grateful for my family, domestic travel, and making some significant discoveries in my artwork this year, I was feeling underwhelmed and anxious in other areas. I wasn’t happy with the business aspect of my art. I felt defeated and powerless, in a way. Related to this I felt some financial anxiety, which loomed larger this previous year.
And then I uncovered what I believe has been holding me back.
I haven’t been showing up for myself.
I’ve been waiting for things to happen versus putting consistent focused energy in making the kinds of changes I want to make in my life and my business. I’ve been coasting in a lot of ways and I’m determined to change that this year.
So 2024 is a year that I’m actually setting a big goal for myself and doing the work to lead me toward it. I’ve never really done that before! And I actually feel EXCITED about it.
I’m EXCITED to use a calendar to schedule tasks.
I’m EXCITED to get dressed and go out into the world more often.
I’m EXCITED to show up for MYSELF.
I know my energy will ebb and flow, as will my level of determination. I expect that and am prepared for it. But I’m going to remind myself that if I want my life to be different next Christmas Eve, then I have to show up for it differently.
Featured Painting: A New Start
You can decide to start over. It doesn’t have to be big and it doesn’t need to begin on New Year’s Day. You don’t even have to tell anyone else. It can just be for you. Something that you’re learning. A way you’re opening up. A fresh point-of-view that you’re starting each new day with.
I created A New Start in February 2023 and am feeling even more connected to the energy behind it now. The stark horizon line. A definite, obvious demarcation between two planes. Past, present, and future. A bold declaration of starting over.
Note: I offer individualized payment plans for my original paintings. Please reach out to me directly if you’re interested in purchasing my art on an installment plan.
Featured Print: Breathe Deep
Inspiring Me Now
Saltburn. Did you see it? I thought it was very good, very disturbing, and very beautifully shot.
- . I read this essay at the end of last year and even though Rosie is more than 20 years younger than me, I could still relate to some of this. In keeping with my “getting out into the world more” mode in 2024 I’m going to schedule time to meet up with friends more often in real life.
I finally watched Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold. It’s been on my list for a while!
As part of my vow to myself to get out more in 2024, I renewed my membership to the Seattle Art Museum at the very end of December. That day I saw Calder: In Motion and I loved it! Here’s a short Reel I created of Little Yellow Panel — I love it even more with the feel of the music I chose to accompany it.
Thank you so much for being here! I hope you're entering this new year in a way that feels best and authentic to you.
Also, I’ve decided to move this newsletter to every other week versus every week for now. That feels best given the new business goals I’ve tasked myself with this year. I’ll let you know if I decide to change that frequency going forward.
Let me know if you have any questions about my art. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please share it!
xo,
Melanie
