It’s a well known adage that you can achieve much less than you think in a day or a week, but much more than you think in a year.
We remember our defeats much more clearly than our victories so, at the end of each year, I like to take a few minutes look back and celebrate my achievements. That way, instead of making New Year’s Resolutions about the things I’d like to change, I can move into the New Year with gratitude for all that I have achieved and experienced.
It’s kind of like a scrap book of my life and business, both of which have had a very special year in 2012. Thank you for your part in that and I hope that you make your own scrap book of achievements (whether you show it to anyone or not).
Here’s what happened to me……..
January
Took part in “24:4,” a film on creativity in the UK, filmed by a BAFTA award winning director. I’m incredibly proud of my part in this film and think it’s a beautiful piece of work. I shot “Raven’s Song” during filming.
February
Spent a fantastic weekend in Los Angeles, including an eye opening evening at the Playboy Mansion’s Masquerade Ball. Sadly I didn’t get to meet the Hef, but I did see him from a distance.
Saw my first Frida “in the flesh” at a wonderful exhibition on female surrealists at the LACMA in LA, and found a new favourite in Remedios Varo.
March
I braved the Hanging Committee during filming of Series Two of the BBC2 television program “Show Me the Monet.” I was chosen as one of 150 artists from the 3000 who applied so I can’t bring myself to feel disappointed that they didn’t feel “Like Ghosts from an Enchanter Fleeing” was the right fit for their exhibition.
Was delighted to be accepted to be an exhibiting artist at the Artsbank Gallery in Saltburn, one of my top targets for 2012.
April
Watched myself on the big screen at the O2 in “24:4” as it had its film premiere during the Sundance London Film Festival. This picture shows how nervous I was : )
May
Finally plucked up the courage to send out my first press release to the local newspapers (I had written it two months earlier) and got featured in two local newspapers as a result.
Took part in the Saltaire Arts Trail as part of the “WunderKammer,” a treasure trove of curiosities, the Saltaire Book Shop and loved spending time with other artists, chatting about the highs and lows of this capricious profession.
Was thrilled to be accepted to exhibit at Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge as part of their “May All Your Dreams Come True Exhibition” and was even more thrilled to become a long term stockist.
June
Filmed for Italian television show, “Ubiq,” while shooting a new image “A Beltane Betrayal” in Epping Forest. Met a very fair park ranger who, although he gave us a telling off, did allow us to continue the shoot.
Queued for more than twelve hours to watch Andy Murray play under the Centre Court lights on his way to the Wimbledon final. Also got to watch the previously unknown Lukas Rosol pull out an inspired performance and enchant the crowd to defeat Rafael Nadal.
Moved back to North Yorkshire in less than ideal conditions but decided to make the best of it and focus completely on growing my business.
July
Had my very first solo exhibition at the Dutch House in Crayke, just outside York. Was thrilled to see all of my work together in one place.
Was very excited to be accepted to exhibit at the North Yorkshire Moors National Park Centre as part of their “Your Place” exhibition to celebrate the National Park’s 60th Birthday.
Got all my television exposure at once as “Show Me the Monet” and “Ubiq” both aired.
August
Watched Usain Bolt on his way to winning his historical “Double-Triple” at the London Olympics.
Celebrated my birthday with my biggest sale yet, giving great discounts to my newsletter subscribers.
September
Returned to Lake Squam, New Hampshire for Squam Art Workshops, where it all began two years ago. Found my animal guides and reconnected with my Squam soulmates who’d all been through their own remarkable transformations.
Took part in a wonderful exhibition entitled “More than Just a Pretty Face” at the Back O’ the Shop Gallery at Terrington.
October
In the midst of all the busyness and chaos of the runup to Christmas, some of my animal guides showed up at precisely the right moment to remind me of the direction I need to take in 2013.
November
My business had its biggest sales to date and I has a wonderful feature in the Yorkshire Post Saturday supplement.
December
Worked my butt off in my first full Christmas season as a retailer, finally stopping for a well deserved rest ……if by “rest” you mean designing my new range of talisman jewellery that will be launched in early 2013.
……..And that was my year. Thank you so much for helping to make it so delicious. Wishing you a very happy New Year and hoping that you use this very powerful time of the year to propel yourself towards your dreams in 2013.
