Since I started this blog back 9 years ago, and even a few years before that when I was on LJ, I always ended the year with a year in review post. It’s really interesting to look back and see where I’ve been, where I came from, where I wanted to go, and where I ended up. It’s never a straight path. Lots of detours, road blocks, and change of plans. 2013 exemplifies all of that and then some.
works created in 2013
Because of the flood, living in a hotel, the move to the east coast, and then waiting for my studio to be built, I wasn’t able to paint for 6 months. 6 months! No wonder why I felt like I was going to lose my mind at certain points. But life was so full with dealing with upheaval, change, transition, decision making and then creating a home and a new life for my family.
So looking back at this year I am pretty amazed with the fact that I somehow managed to create all those paintings and books above. If I didn’t create this mosaic, as I do every year, I wouldn’t think that this year was all that productive. I’m so visual, I need to see it to believe it.
Produced:
:: created 30 paintings (most of this was created pre-flood for my solo)
:: created 3 artist books
:: taught 2 workshops
Shows/Essays/Articles:
:: solo show at the Benedictine University
:: 3 group shows
:: featured artist in Courtney Cerruti’s fabulous book Playing with Image Transfers
In less quantifiable terms:
:: Still proving to myself that “where there’s a will, there’s a way”
:: Still moving to painting larger paintings- just finished a 30×20 inch painting and also painted a 3×4 ft commission this fall
:: Pushing myself in terms of exploring more of my own abstract language- definitely feel more confident with this
:: Continuing to explore the surface- always!
:: Working and bringing in different materials that I am interested in
:: Really honing in on my vision and what I want to explore in my work
:: Learned that no matter the circumstance, I am a maker and creator. It’s a daily thing, not necessarily with paints or whatnot. It’s a manner of being.
This year will go down as a year I will never forget. It kicked my butt and wrung me out. Actually, to write this, I went back and read all my entries from this year and rereading brought back so much of the emotions. In terms of my artwork I had to turn down several big opportunities because of my circumstances, but in the end, it was for the best. But I learned so much and I am grateful for the lessons.
Everything In Its Place, 24×24 inches
my favorite painting of the year
I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart. -Van Gogh
Wishing you a happy new year! We never know what the year may bring us, but it’s what we do with it that counts. Thanks for reading my little corner of the cyber world and for your words of support and encouragement this year. And for those who have bought my work this year- thank you! I cannot ever express how grateful I am.
2014, I am ready for you.
Bridgette,
I’m pretty much in awe. All this wonderful work in a year when your life was turned upside down? Wish I’d done half as much. But you’ve inspired me. Here’s to a productive, creative 2014 for us all. Happy New Year!
Thanks Mary! Life goes on even when it’s turned upside down. I think this year will be about order and quiet, yet still a constant moving forward. Wishing you the very best this year!!
Inspiring work- I shared a couple of images on Pinterest -thanks.
Thank you lynn!
Amazing what you have achieved in a very rocky year Bridgette. Wishing you smooth sailing for 2014
Thanks so much Robyn. So happy that life is back on track and I look forward to getting back to reading your blog on a consistent basis. I so love your work and your writings and what you share. You are a true inspiration to so many. Thank you.
Happy New Year – Bridgette! You are an inspiration with your work and your positive attitude through this last year of so many changes — hope 2014 fills you with joy.
x
Thank you Judy so much and happy new year to you too!
Lovely to see your work again. That stone house is so gorgeous! Love it. Happy new year. May you create lots of art this coming year.
Thank you and happy new year to you too! Hopefully I will get to posting about the stone house painting soon. May you create lots of art this coming year as well.
Detours seem really to be your friend as they have led to a bounty of beautiful art. You seem to be very able to channel your experience and emotions into the work. Wishing you a very happy, healthy and creative New Year!
That’s a good perspective on it Seth, thanks! Detours…. I constantly am grateful to be able to channel my heartaches as well as my joy into my work. Not sure what I’d do otherwise! Wishing you the very best this year Seth! Hope to see you soon.
You must feel good when you actually put the year in perspective and can see work you accomplished despite all the roadblocks shoved in your path. I’m proud of you, Bridgette, and feel blessed that you are part of my art family now. xox
Thank you Kathie. I feel blessed that you our paths crossed and that you are in my life. I am so proud of you too!!
Gosh what a year you have had Bridgette and the work that came out through it all is totally brilliant, here’s a belated toast to you and yours for this new year which is already Day 4 here in the Land Down Under
Thank you Mo. 2013 really was quite a year! 2014 already feels manageable. Thank goodness. Happy new year to you too!