Here we go –2013. I have started and restarted this post 3 times now. Where to begin. For several weeks now I have just been feeling this overwhelming sense of light — both in the sense of luminescence and in the sense of weightlessness. My hope and prayer is that in this new year I will be able to continue to carry this light forward as I learn, grow and step more fully into myself as an artist.  I started last year with an in-house residency, worked with a great coach, and really got my business house in order. You can read more about how I did in 2012 right here. And now for 2013.

2013

Song: Tightrope by Janelle Monae

Music always creates a change in atmosphere for me. I was listening to Pandora while working on a new piece when this song came on earlier last month. As soon as I heard it I knew it would be my song for 2013. First I love this young sister. She is TALENTED, beautiful, and FULLY CLOTHED (a rarity in pop culture these days –ya don’t have to be naked to be noticed people). More than anything I love the message in her music.  I have learned over and over in my life that it is so important to maintain BALANCE. Y’all know this is not an easy thing to do. Janelle gets it right though. Don’t get too high or too low — just keep it moving. If you ever see my bobbing, shaking, and shimmying  you know it’s me stepping on alligators and little rattlesnakers . . . .

Word: Release

I could write an entire post just on this word. When I think of the word release, the word UNLEASH also often comes to mind. You cannot maintain your light (in luminescence or weightlessness) if you are dragging or holding on to old stuff. Remember Erica Badu’s song Bag Lady? I have been doing a lot of releasing lately. From cutting off almost 2 feet of my hair to releasing those things that don’t serve me well. The “light” was almost immediate. Each step toward release brings you one step closer to unleashing the creative gifts and potential placed within you.

Color: ?

I am loving all colors right now. Nothing is really jumping out at me as a front runner. Green is still my all time favorite color . . . .

The Rest: Creative Plan for 2013

So normally at this point I would write a long list of goals or to-dos for 2013. After lots of conversations with one of my favorite people, Kesha Bruce, I have a different take on writing these kind of lists. Now I focus more on key tasks and then I outline the steps necessary to get to completion of those tasks. Her Sunday Summary worksheet is a great one to start with if you are interested in this approach. You can contact Kesha here. Here is a sample from my summary for this week:

• develop studio calendar for the year with exhibition deadlines
• develop project tasks for my second annual in-house residency.
• prepare to send my first e-communication of the year to my wonderful collectors (to receive my newsletters, studio sneak peeks please sign up here!)

Overall my plan is to maintain as green a studio as I can, have joy, and make art, make art, make art.

Peace and love, y’all and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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