Dear Wonderful, Creative You:

As I reflected on my goals for this new year, one thing was very clear: In 2018, I want to make my days more art-filled, everyday. I’ve got a few ideas on how I’ll be making each day more art-ful, and I am excited to share them here. At the end, I’d love to hear about your creative goals for this year too. While I’ve made it my business to teach others about the healing powers of art, I know that setting art goals is important for YOU as well. If you don’t make your art a priority, it won’t be. As you read through my goals, perhaps you might think about which of them apply to you and how you can prioritize your art. You get inspired here at Mindful Art Studio for a reason, let’s answer the call to honor your personal art process. 

 

Goal #1: Make more art.

I’m going to spend more time in the studio, and waste less of my precious time and creative energy on screens. To do that, I will chunk the time I respond to Mindful Art Studio comments on social media. Secondly, when I get on after work, I will ask myself why I’m online and whether I’d rather be making art.

This work is part of a series. The bear is a hand cut stamp which I painted with acrylic paint and printed on mixed media board. The background was done with high flow acrylic paint, which is such a blast to work with. (You can learn more about how to use them in my class, Fluid Art.)

I made all the flowers and botanical bits with white Posca pen. Exploring the different ways I can present the same subject helps me to grow as an artist. (Find out more about working in a series in this quick and fun video post.) I’ll show more in the series as they develop. Here’s a closer up view of my little lady:

[bctt tweet=”If you don’t make your art a priority, it won’t be. #creativegoals #carveouttimeforart” username=”amymaricle”]

 

Goal #2: Connect with other artists.

Last year I also had a goal of connecting with other artists. Hanging out with artists helps me in making each day more art-ful because art friends affirm my choice to prioritize art making. We talk about art, we make art, we admire art. Art friends are really important. One of the main ways I did this was to attend an art retreat last fall. It was mind-blowingly good. I made more artist friends and have had more artist dates. I’m already registered to go back again this year and I’m looking forward to connecting with more awesome artists in 2018.

 

Goal #3: Teach more art and creative empowerment through free, live classes.

In my opinion, one of the best things we did as a community in 2017 was to begin connecting live on Facebook and Instagram. These platforms offer an easy-to-use, interactive interface for make-inars and creativity classes. My next Facebook Live event is Friday, January 26th at 12pm EST. Get in your RSVP right now, even if you can only catch the replay. I always keep the class posted for an extra 48 hours, so no matter where you are, you have a chance to catch it. Wait till I tell you the topic next week!

Goal #4: Share more of my art.

Last year my goal was to get more of my art into shows and magazines, and while I had some very disappointing rejections, I also got my work in a couple of shows and print magazines, as well as some written pieces in a few notable online and print magazines, such as The New York Times. (That was exciting!)

These experiences gave me the chutzpah to share my work in a very exciting and fun way. I’ve had some more inquiries to buy my art in the last year, and I haven’t had a good way to share it, until now.

I’m absolutely tickled to tell you that I’ve just created an online shop at Society 6. I’d love for you to come visit me there. I’m sharing art prints and products such as iPhone cases, travel mugs, and notecards to inject more art into our days. This is such an amazing way for us all to support small artists and be more artsy. I hope you’ll check out my work and that of many other artists.

Aren’t these so incredibly fun? I’ve already ordered myself the Bloom phone case. You can see it and all the other goodies I created for you here: https://society6.com/amymaricle

I love celebrating the many ways art connects and heals us. Will you share a bit about your creative aspirations and how you’ll be making each day more art-ful this year?

 

Creatively Yours,

 

Amy

 

 

 

*The product links in this post are affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, if you choose to click and purchase something, you’ll contribute to the work of Mindful Art Studio to empower the artist in us all.