Summarising a year of art

As 2022 draws to a close, I find myself wanting to tie everything up with a neat little bow and showcase my achievements in the way some of the sleek and tidy artists would do. But... when you are an artist with several styles, which all compete for your attention and want their place in the world, it's not that simple. I've basically quadrupled my own workload just because I can't choose just one. That's okay.

Would I suggest choosing one style and sticking to it? From a practicality point of view, yes! Could I do that? Honestly, I don't think so. I am multi-faceted in everything I do in life.

I didn't expect art to be my main focus for 2022. I knew I had to take a break from corporate to explore new directions as I had to take care of a sick man who was recovering from gamma radiation surgery. The surgery, to destroy an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), comes with side effects which were were wreaking havoc with both his mobility and cognitive abilities. I knew I could not give a day job 100% whilst trying to navigate learning how to be a carer, something way beyond my skillset. I'll leave those stories for another time.

Despite taking a lot of online courses this year, the most important thing that I've learned is that the internet is full of bullshit. Many people hide behind the term 'service' whilst charging extortionate prices for information that is readily available for free. On the flip side, it's also a place of hope and possibilities if you are willing to put in the effort. To be a working artist is hard graft and unlikely to make you millions.

The truth is, no matter what these so-called gurus are saying, if something was as easy as they profess it to be, everyone would be doing it. With passive income streams like print on demand, it's a slow burner. You have to build it all over time. Things will pick up, I've no doubt, but it requires patience, savvy advertising (keeping it free) and faith.

Until then, I guess it's back to corporate for me.

I'll leave you with this eclectic mess and I adore each one.