2008

 |  January 1, 2009

One of the things that I love about journaling is the ability to look back, which then also enables me to celebrate my achievements, learn from my mistakes, make adjustments, and look forward to what’s ahead. I have done this for years in my personal written journals, and I started to share my art reflections on this blog in 2007, did one in 2008, and now for 2009.

For 2008 I really focused on being present for my little guy while still making sure that I kept up with my artwork and being open to opportunities that presented themselves to me.

Looking back now, 2008 was a big year for our family and also for my art. Moving from Seattle to Chicago was the defining force of our life this past year. But in moments between I managed to produce new work and to keep exploring. It was tough at times finding the time and finding the balance, but I am thankful for the time that I did get.

Published:
:: My blog was featured in Artful Blogging, volume 2
:: Had artwork included in 3 books and 1 magazine

Learned
:: Workshop with Stephanie Lee in Snohomoish, WA and a workshop with Judy Wise in Cedarburg, WI
:: Took an intuitive painting class in Chicago, IL with Melanie Brown. Something inside has definitely shifted because of this class.

Shows
:: I hosted my first open studio during the Ballard Art Walk
:: Featured artist at 2 different venues in the Ballard Art Walk
:: Exhibited in 2 group shows
:: Had work hanging somewhere- gallery, show or coffeeshop consistently from January-August

Produced:
:: Created 30 new paintings (this is not including mixed media panels that were bound into journals)
:: Sold 23 paintings (not including journals)
:: redesigned amanobooks.com

In less quantifiable terms:
:: Still proving to myself that “where there’s a will, there’s a way”
:: Feeling looser when I paint
:: Learning to accept that I have time and energy limitations
:: Learned to accept that my art will always be there for me, even if I cannot focus on it fully at this moment.

And now onto my intentions…….. I’ll save that for another post.

6 Comments

  1. by merci33 on January 2, 2009  7:38 pm Reply

    kudos on your 2008 inventory of successfully moving through the world as a working AND sane artist...this is a fabulous list.
    Bravo! Imagine what the new walk round the wheel will bring.

  2. by PJ on January 2, 2009  11:25 pm Reply

    I love reading about everyone's looking back on their year! May your 2009 be just as productive!

  3. by Shelly on January 2, 2009  11:35 pm Reply

    Happy New Year, Bridgette !!
    Cannot wait to see where your new "learned" techniques take you.
    Nominated you for The Lovely Blog Award. If you have a minute, check my blog under "With Gratitude" for details. I think your work is spectacular and your blog so real, vibrant and inspiring.
    :-)
    Shelly

  4. by seth on January 4, 2009  11:44 pm Reply

    What a great year 2008 was for you. Hard work and success well deserved!

  5. by Stace and Rob on January 10, 2009  1:38 am Reply

    hi bridgette,

    i love your work and your posts!
    thank you for being an inspiration to me!-stacey

  6. by redredday on January 14, 2009  10:56 am Reply

    hi Bridgette, i left a comment for you but it looks like it never went through...wanted to wish you a happy new year and also let you know how annoyed i am at myself for being slow and missed a chance at winning a painting of yours!! if i have a superpower, i would want to be able to go back and forth in time.

    you are incredible, Bridgette, for achieving so much in a year's time. i think that's your superpower. you forgot to add:

    ::Touched and inspired millions of readers with your words and art

    ::Generously shared techniques and resources without asking or expecting anything in return

    ::Provided a constant place here where one can come to find affirmation of something good and real

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