A New Year

New Years are often time for reflection -

More importantly, it's a time for growth and looking towards the future. For many of us in the creative realm, the journey of self-discovery, overcoming challenges, and embracing new opportunities directly influences how we create and what our creations look like.

As I reflect, I feel grateful for the experiences that have shaped me as an artist. Some years were harder than others, but I remember how fortunate I am to have an outlet for those emotions and how it allows me the clarity coming out of those darker times.

Though I tend to favor creating in solitude in my small studio-room, I have learned that creativity thrives in community and collaboration. I often shy away from social media and find myself overcome by imposter syndrome in the times I do work up the courage to share this part of me.

Some of my resolutions for the future surround letting go of those restraints and allowing myself to connect with the world and showcase my creativity, regardless of the impact it has or how many it will reach.

I often have the feeling of “I am not doing enough,” and it was only when I was compiling the footage for the video above that I realized how much I've grown in just a year. It's easy to get sucked into the thoughts and feelings of being too hard on yourself, and this year is dedicated to balancing these thoughts and being more present in my creations.

Art is meant to be shared, and it is from other artists that I learn the most about myself - I remind myself that I can only grow as much as I allow myself to.