2017

Welcome to 2017!

Here we are, already half way through January 2017. Today one month ago I was officially done with all commissions and ready to take a break. Its been a month of absolute procrastination. I have not had the energy to get up early, or to even pick up a paintbrush. And did not feel ready for 2017. At some point I realized I needed to get a jump start. So today it happened.

My canvas for my first official commission was delivered. I am very excited to get started. And after visiting my favorite gallery, I came back with a car full of canvas and a head full of ideas.Ready for 2017!!!

“I love making art… It’s largely how I see myself. I’m an artist; therefore I have to make art.”
~ Chuck Close

Five years ago in 2012 I decided to take a leap of faith. Leaving behind a fixed income, stable work hours and fixed holidays. Scary step to take. And It was a step, not a leap. For the whole of the first year I was still permanently employed. During the second year I was only part-time employed. And the third year I was for the first time ever SELF EMPLOYED. Here I am 5 years later. Loving the decision that I made. Yes, I work hard. Yes, I am overly stressed at times. But I am fulfilled and less frustrated. Procrastination does become a problem at times. Looking for excuses not to sit in front of the easel does happen at times. Each year I am more stable, more determined to make this work.

Since 2012 I have grown as an artist. There is a clear improvement in my work from 2012 to 2017. I am more confident in what I do. That unfortunately does not mean I don’t doubt what I do regularly, but rather less frequently. I walked blindly into a world I thought I knew. But soon realized I only knew it in theory. In some cases I (my art) was accepted and in certain instances I (my art) was rejected. Things I have to learn to cope with. Still today I am faced with many situations I am uncertain of handling. But by now I have a solid support system to turn to for assistance.

Five years ago a gallery took a chance and included me in their New Signatures show. It has been such an amazing journey. I can not imagine my life without my Alice Art Gallery family. Now I can call myself an artist, a goal of mine since Grade 2. I don’t see it as luck but rather God guiding me on the path he had planned all the time.

I am both nervous and excited for this year. I am ready to grow, to learn, to make.

A new year filled with opportunity, waiting to happen.

A new website, have a look, its beautifully done by a very skilled friend of ours.

New clean canvas ready for a few layers oil paint!

My first exhibition for 2017 will be at Alice Art Gallery in Ruimsig, and will take place 18-19 February 2017.

Please have a look at my new website and feel free to leave a comment , to let me know what  you think 🙂