Wildflowers, Washi and Whimsy - My 2024 Reflections

As we enter the new year and begin dreaming about the future, I feel that it is important to pause for a moment. Before we dive headfirst into all that planning, I enjoy reflecting on the past year.

So, here are some of my memorable moments from 2024:

• Writing Monthly Newsletters and Blogs: Who knew that pouring my thoughts onto a page could connect me with so many people?

• Setting Up Instagram and Regularly Posting: Starting my Instagram was a big step into the unknown. I could not have done it without the younger generation's support! But sharing my creations and seeing so many inspirations from other artists is fun.

• Teaching Art Classes: Guiding others through the joyful chaos of watercolors, upcycling old books, and experimenting with collages and acrylics was both rewarding and lots of fun. Just the right amount of messiness!

• Opening my Art Studio at SALA: Welcoming friends into my creative space was a bit scary but also exciting. I loved the opportunity to share my private creative cave with all of you.

• Exhibiting at the Glenside Lions Art Show: Seeing my work on display in such a big exhibition felt very special —a significant milestone that inspired me to continue experimenting with my art.

• Creating Whimsical Art Pieces: I took my art on a wild ride! From jazzing up red-tailed black cockatoos with washi tape to painting sunlit savannah landscapes with leopards and zebras, experimenting with surrealism brought me so much joy!

• Dabbling in New Mediums: I explored painting on vintage book pages, experimented with gold leaf, and learned to use pastels. This challenged my creativity and patience while teaching me to let go of my perfectionism.

• Strengthening Friendships: Supporting my girlfriend through her recovery was a reminder of how powerful friendship can be. Who knew art and teamwork could make the perfect recipe for healing?

While it is important to celebrate successes, I believe that we need to also look at our “not-so-good” moments.

So, here it is, my examples of “what I could have done better”:

• Prioritizing Health: Last year reminded me that self-care isn’t just a buzzword, it is a must. After wrestling with some health issues, I am determined to be more careful and recognize my limits in 2025.

• Being Kinder to the Planet: I am always on the lookout for reducing waste and reusing materials in my art, but there is more to do. Perhaps 2025 could be my year of "zero-waste creativity."

• Monitoring Social Media Time: Building my Instagram presence feels rewarding, but let’s face it, scrolling through the millions of posts can eat away at the creative time faster than you can realize. I am on a mission to find a balance between engagement and actually creating art.

• Staying Present: It is so easy to get caught up in the everyday routines, but I want to savor life’s little moments more—even if it is just pausing to enjoy a really good cup of tea or watching the grass grow.

Taking a moment to reflect is like hugging your soul. It helps gain perspective and make future planning more meaningful! So, as you gear up for the new year, don’t forget to wink at the past, smile at the present, and get excited for the future!

Happy reflecting, planning, and all the best for the New Year!