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| Last Year in Albany, New York |
The Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year and today, the daylight slowly begins to return. Each year at this
time, I reflect on the past year and look forward to the coming year. This year
is especially relevant as I am literally closing the door on Roadhouse Arts and
looking forward to more time for my own studio time.
For me, the intent of Roadhouse was to be a creative place
where I could spend more time making my art. I thought that being around other
creative people would encourage and support that goal. Instead, it became an
uncomfortable place with increasing demands on my time that had to do with
running a business rather than creating. I already have a “day job” so
additional work was just taking away from my creative time. When the
expectations began to interfere with my family relationships and health, I realized
that was not how I wanted to live my life. I had to remove myself from the daily
operations and eventually decided I had to leave the business.
Looking forward, I will be making more room for studio time
in my life. It is what keeps me sane in a hectic life, so it is not something that
I can let falter.
I have been accepted into a fantastic gallery in Gruene which
is a cute old German town outside New Braunfels known for its shops and
galleries. The other artists in The Gallery at Gruene Lake Village are
extremely talented so I am honored to be included. I have even opened an online shop which has already had sales! These two venues will allow me to continue to show my
work and offer my work for sale.
I will also be teaching short mixed media workshops at Lyn Belisle’s Studio in San Antonio. The teaching will be limited in scope so that
it doesn’t dominate my time, but still allows me to spend some time creating
with other inquisitive and open people.
I am working hard at honoring my creative side and
appreciating those relationships that nourish my soul. Maybe it is wisdom (or,
maybe it is because I am tired) but I have come to the conclusion that I can’t
do everything. So, I have had to determine what MY priorities should be and let
some of the other things go to the wayside.
I hope you are looking forward to more light in the days as well!
