It never fails... a new year feels like a blank slate, a journal with crisp white pages waiting to be filled out. And this year it is no exception.
As the calendar turns its page to a new year, it's the perfect time to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future. The past couple of weeks I have been evaluating accomplishments and have been trying to figure out what goals to set for the new year. And I think I have realized that I do not have anything super big I am shooting for; but more of the same steady forward progress I have made this year.
I want 2024 to be filled with learning, experimenting, a good amount of failing (even though it can feel awful when it happens) and an equally good amount of success. You might ask... why failing? Well, it is how we learn, isn't it? When something does not work, we are forced to really stop and think. We pause, we examine and we re-assess to see what can be done differently to achieve the results we want.
I failed a fair bit in 2023, from cracked pots to techniques that did not work out. From mugs with crooked handles, to mugs whose handles did not want to keep attached. From plates with runny glazes to lidded jars with non fitting lids. Not to mention the countless glaze combinations that did not turn anything like what I expected them.
I want to spend 2024 improving my process and cementing my style. I spent 2023 in a mad rush to make make make... never feeling like I had enough to fill my booths at events. I want this coming year to be different. I want to pause and really FEEL each piece I make. I want to make a connection with every single item and take my time creating. One of my yoga mentors keeps reminding us that the power is in the pause and I really want to embody that in this coming year.
I also want to learn to embrace imperfections, on my pots and on myself. With pottery, every subtle irregularity tells a story, it is a mark of the hands that made it; and when you really stop to think about it; it is something BEAUTIFUL. This does not mean that you want your work to be sloppy, it means that seeking perfection is an unattainable goal. Nothing is ever perfect, more so to the maker's eye. Besides, perfection is boring.
On a personal note, I want to spend 2024 learning how to better love myself. From the droopy eyelid, to the hair loss and even all the way to the excess weight I have been carrying around (aging is fun, isn't it?). I want to make time for daily meditation and journaling; and I want to go back to a regular yoga practice.
There are also some fun events up on my schedule that I am really excited about:
- Girl's Weekend with Krishna
- NCECA (clay conference)
- CCM Pottery Festival (I am co-chair!!)
- Moulin Rouge (the musical)
- Back to the Future (the musical)
- London/Greece ?? (just dreamt this up with my brothers on Christmas Eve)
- Art Festivals & Vendor markets (these have not been finalized yet)
As I said in the opening paragraph... a new year bring so many possibilities. What is something you are really looking forward to? Drop to the comments and let me know.
I can't wait to hear!