I would like to start with a huge thank you to all of you who found homes for my paintings this year. It’s so gratifying when a piece resonates with someone in this way. Thank you.
A time for pause…I find myself reflecting on my art journey. It’s been a bit of a year of self discovery. I have become more aware of my path as an artist, what is working and perhaps what I can let go. I plan to continue my creative process with an open mind and heart and happy to have you along, welcoming your comments and appreciate the continued support I receive.
What’s working…
- I began this year with the launch of this website. It was a huge learning curve to get up and running. I feel I’m rounding the bend (lol) but still learning so bear with me as I navigate my on-line presence. I also had some business cards printed so it’s great to have a website for my cards as well. The business cards have several different images of sold pieces which is fun. I have enjoyed watching children (and adults too) at summer markets choosing their favourite card to take away.
- Painting what I love. My best outcomes start with this in mind. Firstly, I have to really like my work, if others do…bonus!
- In-person engagement…I thoroughly enjoyed being a Human Library Book at Sooke Elementary earlier in the year. It was so rewarding chatting with the students, answering their questions, hearing their comments …as well as markets…I did a couple this summer. I enjoyed the experience very much and will be looking forward to opportunities for these again next year.
So what I can let go?
- Rejected submissions to shows…perhaps I could be choosing better which shows to submit my art in future. I have often said I would not wish to have the task of jurying. Remembering that perhaps rejection is not necessarily due to the work being up to standard but perhaps more that the subject matter may not fit the call, abundance of submissions received, etc.
- Promos…I have done a November promo the last couple of years where I offered a discount on the price of my art with the promise of a percentage of sales to be donated to the food bank, in hopes of both selling my work and also donating to the food bank. In 2022 I was able to donate almost $300 from a month long promo. This year, certainly a tough economy was a factor, I was only able to donate one tenth of that amount. Although I appreciated the support I received this year, time for a different approach. I will definitely continue to support the food bank as it is a charity very close to my heart, however it will be less about sale of my art.
- Anything that robs me joy, let it go. Knowing that can take time so I guess, much like my art, I’m a work in progress.
Thanks for reading this far (and to subscribers thanks so much for your continued interest). Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. May you find whatever brings joy and laughter and all the best for the year ahead.
Til next time,
Jenny
J Adams Paintings 