2017 was an interesting year - I can now acknowledge out loud that I have had some big health issues since late 2016,stemming from t2 diabetes which I ignored for a while (which I take absolute personal responsibility for and which is now absolutely under control). This brought about ongoing chronic pain, a nerve transposition operation on both arms, dramatic weight loss (omg I loved the new clothes I had to buy, but hated feeling unwell and having saggy baggy skin) and subsequent weight gain once the t2d got back under control (and now back on the oh so familiar fat shame/blame game). Pleased to say that I am well on the way to recovery and now very focussed on getting health back to as normal as possible moving forward in 2018. Oh, and I've been off the fags for 6 months and going strong........
In the midst of all that we had a major kitchen renovation. It is wonderful. I think I love the dishwasher most of all. And now my health is improving and the pain is well under control, I feel my cooking mojo coming back. Yay. Our little beach shack is becoming sweeter by the day.
Artwise in 2017, I managed to maintain my daily life dog drawings - this was in fact my saving grace and serenity each day. I have no plans to stop at this stage, although I may just add another type of drawing practice in to the mix.
I often find this "artist" label quite a struggle, I am always anxious about my work - but I do know many others feel the same way - am I good enough, is it good enough, am I doing enough, particularly as I am working on a new series, but on the good days (and really, there have been a few I am so delighted to say) - well, I had a very impressive second half of the year, being awarded "Best in Show" for Art and Craft in the Melbourne Royal Show, also winning first and third prize.
Other major majors included being a finalist in the Geelong Print Prize(major!!!), and being selected for the Edging Forward: New prints 2018/Winter exhibition at the International Print Centre New York. (49 artists selected from 1300+ entries). I was also very thrilled to be a part of "Imaginings", a Print exchange folio and exhibition, curated by the ever wonderful Rona Green who is so supportive of her fellow printmakers. and - printing an edition of 66 prints was no mean feat. I always say this I know, but it is such a buzz to be hanging alongside long admired print heroes and inspirers, including two of my former lecturers.
Had a fabulous year working at the Print Council of Australia. I do so love my job and am fortunate to be working in the area of my life I am most passionate about. Such fun to connect with my fellow printmakers.
So for 2018? Looking forward to kicking off the exhibiting year at Editions 2018 (super pleased to have been selected with my new series from my daily dog drawings) at the new Tacit Contemporary Art gallery space in Collingwood. I have a couple of exhibitions scheduled later in the year. A holiday to Japan in March, and a holiday to Europe in September. Creating some veggie/herb beds, and a deck out the back. Pleasantly busy and creatively focussed. A happy new year to you all, may it bring everything you wish and work hard for.