Issue No. 7: Notes From The Studio
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
I’ve done a lot of reading and workshops about mindset over the years. One of the things that comes up repeatedly is “embodying” the version of yourself that you want to be.
This practice might include some combination of making a vision board that you look at each day that keeps your goals top of mind, daily affirmations that you write or say, journaling from your “future self” who already is the person that you want to be, or physically putting yourself in situations where that version of you exists.
This year I’m working on getting out into the world more in all kinds of ways.
Part of this is getting my art seen by more people and into more places, and another part of it is just me going out more often in general. One of the things I did this week that falls into the “putting yourself in situations” exercise was visiting the Seattle Design Center. It’s been on my list to check out forever, but I always find reasons to avoid going. But not 2024 Melanie — she’s going out into the world!
I saw that they were having a New Year’s happy hour, so one of the interior designers that I’ve been chatting with on Instagram for a while and I decided we’d meet up there in person for that event. Perfect! This is EXACTLY the kind of thing I want to do more of this year. Unfortunately she had to cancel last minute, but I went anyway! 2023 Melanie would have DEFINITELY been THRILLED to stay home!
I was so proud of myself for going even when I had an out. I didn’t actually attend the event, but I did walk around the design center to get a feel for the showrooms there and see if I thought it would be a good place for my art to be featured. Answer: I’m not sure. I think I’d rather introduce my art to designers directly or through art consultants in Seattle who know me and my work. It feels more personal that way. But maybe?
So that’s my (small) big step for the week. They all add up, you know. I’d love to hear if you’re working on anything like this in 2024. Let me know in the comments or reply by email so we can cheer each other on!
Featured Painting: The Possibility of Presence
The Possibility of Presence is being grateful for what we have and where we are while remaining open to the gift of possibility. A form of living gratitude.
The sides of this painting are painted a rich dark blue gray and the painting has a luminous glossy finish.
Featured Prints: Explore and Expand
Being present doesn’t mean that we’re not planning for our future. In fact, it leads us there. If we weren’t present we wouldn’t be able to take aligned action to get us where we want to be.
Being present reminds us of the importance of exploring our world and expanding our vision of ourselves.
Let me know if you have any questions about my art. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please share it!
xo,
Melanie
