Collage Your World 2012 Highlights

Wishing 2013 is the best year yet!

For the past few years, my friend Elaine Coombs and I have gone over our previous year’s achievements with each other; it always feels good to acknowledge our accomplishments. This year, I thought I’d share some professional and personal highlights of 2012 with you. Many of you are aware of my new ventures teaching elementary and high school students; the ongoing transformation of my art studio and new office as well as the creation of my first zine… here are a few other highlights I’ve kept under wraps. I hope they’ll inspire you to take some leaps of your own into 2013…

Networking Up a Storm!
During the summer and fall, I devoted much time to connecting with my list members, fellow artist colleagues and former students. I had many wonderful discussions about art and life over coffee and lunch; visited many amazing shows put on by fellow artist-friends; discussed several potential collaborative art projects and enjoyed sharing in the ongoing creative projects of former students. Engaging with many of you has enriched my life so much! I’ve been a solitary artist for some time… now I’m realizing the benefits of extending my practice beyond the studio.

Facing up to Facebook!
For years, despite the urgings of my art business role models: Ariane Goodwin and Alyson Stanfield who’ve heralded the importance of using social media to foster on-line connections, I’ve avoided Facebook – fearing it would chew up my time! In late 2011 and 2012 however I decided to take it more seriously and after dedicating time to it on a daily basis, I’ve discovered what a great sense of community it provides me with. Through it I’ve gotten to know so much about the goings on and the mind set of my Facebook friends. This year, I doubled the number of friends; among them a whole slew of international artists. If you’d told me a year ago I’d have artist “friends” from many artistic genres from all over the globe I’d have thought you were nuts! But this is my current on-line reality! It’s amazing and dizzying at times! It has brought new vigour to my creative life significantly increasing my networking opportunities; attracting new students and bringing potential exhibitions for me not only in Ottawa but also Europe! I can’t believe I didn’t do this sooner! I joined Pinterest as well and hope to create new networks of followers there, too. You can join me on one or both social platforms simply by clicking on their icons on this page!

Learning to Speak Out
For the first time in my life I wrote a letter to a reporter from a local newspaper who questioned the need for “free” City-run galleries to be granted to visual artists in Ottawa. Here as elsewhere, we artists need all the support we can get with impending city budget cuts continually looming on our horizon. Seeing as I had one of my most successful shows in such a gallery in 2011 (The Atrium Gallery), I was compelled to reveal how much emerging artists derive from showing in these spaces which don’t necessarily come “free” of charge! I carefully and boldly documented the many benefits of showing at the Atrium and what a dramatic impact it had on my art career as well as how it enabled me to positively contribute to a number of communities in Ottawa. Once completed, I must admit, I was afraid to send my letter but eventually I was glad I did. It was such an empowering experience!

Makeup Matters…
On a more humourous note, if you’ve been following my blog, you know that I don’t normally wear makeup. You also know how much I lament my lack of knowledge in this area especially when I have to turn to the help of overly-zealous make-up artists while preparing for a photo shoot or opening. Well, the truth is, I’ve always wanted to learn to apply makeup but never had the guts to do so! Over the years, I’ve had an unfortunate time trying to learn the latter… wasting money on lessons and cosmetic supplies. This year, I took the plunge for the umpteenth time and can now triumphantly say I can apply my own makeup! I’ve even passed inspection by my MAC makeup diva sister Teresa! Thanks to cosmetics consultant Angie for patiently teaching me how to achieve a most “natural” look … as silly at it seems, in my 40’s, I’ve finally found the courage to allow myself the pleasure of learning to do something many girls have the confidence to do in their teens – suddenly I feel so grown up! 😉

My First Live Artist Radio Interview… Coming February 5, 2013!
This December, just as I was brooding about life, a request to be interviewed on Liana Voia’s Blog Talk Radio show popped into my mailbox! As you can imagine I was both ecstatic and paranoid about the whole thing! Could I handle being interviewed on live internet radio about my life and work! Would the interviewer be kind to me or would she rake me over the coals?! I did a bit of research on the subject; talked to a few artist friends and family members about it and then asked myself how many times this kind of opportunity would come my way? So I decided, like Nike says to just “Do it”! Three years ago I wouldn’t have had the confidence to agree to this … now I realize I owe a great debt to Collage Your World for allowing me to become fearless enough to take this leap into the New Year! I’ll be posting the link on my Events Page for you as soon as we’ve finished taping it.

Thanks for taking the time to read my highlights. It goes without saying that your continued interest in Collage Your World also fuelled my energy and confidence this past year – thanks for your support! Like that beautiful song says: “You are the wind beneath my wings!” (As well as my dear hubby Kevin) I hope you too will find some time to write down and appreciate your 2012 accomplishments… even if it’s just one, it’s something to celebrate with yourself and others. If there are things you really wanted to do but didn’t, remember it’s another new year, another blank canvas for you to transfer your dreams to!

Other Related Links:
Changing the World One Collage at a Time
Snapshot of Your Life Workshop: Student Journal Pages
Art Studio Remix