Thinking back to the 90’s, while taking surface design classes at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), I wasn’t doing much footwork outside of class to forward a career in the industry. I enjoyed the homework assignments: mapping out and painting patterns with gouache. But something inhibited me from fully immersing myself in the world of textiles back then: Living in Connecticut? Raising three teenagers? An out-of-control Inner Critic?
I can’t say, but, from today’s perspective, I recognize that I was only poolside back at that time. I never jumped in.
What I said I wanted and what I was actually doing were not in alignment. I received a few orders for my original patterns, but this new direction in my artistic life was short-lived.
However, what I did do, no matter what, was listen to audio tapes on self-improvement, business-building, and success. I never left home without a cassette for the car ride. Still decorating eggs, I also listened to motivational speakers like Zig Ziglar, Dr. Julie White, and Roger Dawson talk about goal-setting, women’s empowerment, and negotiating techniques while I waxed and dyed. I couldn’t get enough.
I was often invited to speak on those subjects and began coaching women entrepreneurs. My being and doing were on the same path.
My notations from the year 2023 paint a picture that is crystal clear.
I love the arts! If I’m not busily creating, I’m out and about filling my well.
- I left my home more than 60 times to attend a cultural event – a museum or gallery exhibit, a play or musical, a movie, or a special event. These infusions of creativity sustain me. I need to be stimulated that often. This doesn’t even include my curated nightly watch time (it must be in the hundreds) on Netflix, HULU, HBO or whatever streaming service I’ve signed up for that month. I thrive on other artists’ imagination and execution.
- Routinely, I took field trips, went on mini-breaks (2-3 nights away from NYC), and a couple of weeklong vacations by plane. Replenishing my spirit demands an even greater change of scenery than just the walls. I want to see palm trees, monuments, swamps and new bodies of water. I love variety – texture, color, temperature, sound and scent.
- Sustenance at home – What nourishes me between these times is family and friends, physical activity (swimming, walking, and a stint with a personal trainer – one of my challenges…), cooking most of my own meals, being part of a fellowship, giving service within that community, improving my physical environment (decluttering and redecorating) and a little entertaining.
In a one-hour end-of-year review with Caveday.org* we were instructed to list our wins and challenges in 2023. Next, we went through a process of reflection, noted open loops (as opposed to loops that had been closed), and jotted down a ‘blurry picture’ of what we wanted for the year ahead. By the end of the hour, I had come up with my mantra for 2024. Ready?
Become more visible.
No drastic changes to what I’m already doing. Clearly, I partake in the vast offerings of my amazing hometown of New York City. But I do need help being more strategic and focused, shining a light on my own art.
My agenda for 2024 will incorporate more self-promotion, networking, and improving my social media expertise. I’ve already signed up to work with a coach. (Shoemaker, stick to thy last!)
I’m excited, which tells me I’m moving in the right direction.
Wrapping up 2023, my biggest successes were:
- Collaborating with an interior designer for the first time
- Selling my largest piece of art so far
- Using learning from the Color Theory class I took
- Finding a wonderful supplier for dyed wools
- 14-page spread in Where Women Create
- Celebrating my 75th birthday with the people I love most
Biggest Disappointments – Challenges, too, were part of last year’s walk – not securing a residency, missing out on a teaching opportunity, and my design not being selected for the subway walls near me. As I review the entries that did win, it becomes clear that perhaps my creations belong in a different, more appreciative space.
Here are four of the winning entries:
I wish you all an abundant, peaceful and serene New Year. Thank you for supporting me as I continue to move my feet into the unknown called ‘my vision.’
*If you’re interested in trying the Cave out, you can use this link for one session.
Click here for a list of my 60 plus outings.
Jane I just live this. It’s wonderful to see all you’ve accomplished over the years. I hope that we can connect soon to catch up. Love you.
That’d be awesome, Denis!