2024 moved me forward.

Not at any one given moment but over a series of events.

I adjusted my gaze from the end product, letting go of the constructed image and the social media mindset. This is appears to be the answer to unlocking a deeper connection with my art. Live sketching has been whispering this to my for years, giving me a nudge towards accepting the unknown outcome. It’s often messy but that’s ok… in fact it’s better!

I find this mystical / meditative process of creating art fasinating. There are side effects, predominantly a slight disconnect, losing track of time and feeling unsure about why I began or what my aim was. An indulgent process for no clear goal. As a parent I’ve had to be in control of the daily routine but, as my daughter turns 16 this year I can relinquish some of that, the dam that I built to keep everything in check has begun to crumble. I suspect some friendships may also suffer, it is hard to be immersed in art and grounded in day to day life. I think of all the questionable characters who has achieved success by disregarding those around them and it unnerves me.

Now that I have half a century of experience I feel the time has come to stop striving but to sit in my work as it is right now.. The challenges we pose ourselves – new techniques / new materials / new achievements. I have always been looking to futher myself but as I turn 50 I think the time has come to lean into where I am now and do more of it without question. As Warhol once said … Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.

New Year / New Age / New Chapter