Catching up on your posts and came across my name in this one! Thank you for the kind shoutout. Your Substack is on my "Read First" list in Inoreader, Carolyn. I just love your newsletter so much!
Hi Debbie! Missed seeing ya, hope your deadlines haven’t been too grueling 💗 appreciate you and your ability to nourish community and connection here on Substack!
I have been thinking about a similar thing and one thing I keep going back to is that for me to be able to find my own path, I need to take time for introspection and spend time on trying to figure out what I truly want. It is not a one-off thing but a continuous process, which means that I would need to show up for it every day. Once I figure out a path, no matter how foggy it is, then it will be time to take action.
Hi Doga! I agree that introspection is key to honing on what our true desires and purpose are. I love the symbol of a spiral to capture this notion of "finding ourselves" as we repeatedly arrive at similar lessons from different vantage points throughout our continued experiences in life!
“Nothing goes terribly wrong in these situations, but it never feels quite right. I show up half-heartedly. The art doesn’t look like my own. I look around at other impassioned souls in the spaces I inhabit and think to myself, is this what I really want?”
My nephew is an artist in his late 30’s and he has had the same puzzlement's as you and is traveling a similar path. He took a job in what I would call a "sweatshop for artists," for a well-known artist, in NYC and he left it within the year. You two may have common experiences to commiserate over. He is teaching art at two colleges right now and is still producing and selling, with similar hopes: https://www.johnguypetruzzi.com/
“I am still navigating my way through the fog as I hone in on what to focus on (writing, drawing, zines, workshops) and do less of what doesn’t resonate right now (editorial illustration, art products).’
Oh my goodness!! You are so multifaceted! You are amazing!
If you examine it, “life” is operating in a fog…and, like the song says, “That’s where the fun is!” You will either be blinded by the light or wandering through the soft fog. Clarity is boring; clarity is settling. Your talents are a part of you; they will never leave you, fog or no. Relax!
Aw thank you for the shoutout! Following your newsletter has been such a joy. I love the metaphor of driving through fog to describe trusting yourself and your intuition. Putting your time and energy into projects that you resonate is so important! Excited to see what's in store for you next year :)
Thanks so much Christina! I've so loved following your personal projects and newsletter this year as well. Anticipating lots of growth and play for both of us next year!
"The fog I inhabit is dense with the vibrancy and possibility of combinations, and when I finally emerge, there waits the most dazzling forest of my dreams."
This post speaks so hard to me. I am in the downward slope of my career...not qualitatively, but in the last several years I have realized my time no longer feels infinite. I wish I had had the courage 30 years ago to only make the art that spoke to my heart, but fear and necessity had too strong a hold on me.
I hope your New year, and all the years stretching ahead of hold hold joy and satisfaction in knowing you have made the art that won't be held back by earthly forces. It's an honor to share this space with you and all the other writers and artists that are here.
Time may no longer feel infinite the older we get, but it never is infinite for any of us! I'm wishing you lots of freedom and play in the coming years—that sense of "running out of time" can be the greatest motivator to follow our hearts. Thank you for being here with me Anne, and excited to see what's in store for us in 2024!
Beautiful thoughts to close a year. It's inspiring to follow your journey (as an artist with an outside profession) as I muddle through my own path. Cheers and all the best for 2024!
Thanks so much for the mention, Carolyn! I'm really identifying with the "fog" you are writing about. While not really knowing what way I should go, I have felt really reassured about making artwork just for myself, and getting involved in community-arts based activities (despite being a shy person). I really enjoy your newsletter and I hope you have a great 2024!
Ahh I am a September bday so am a Virgo sun but Pisces is my moon! I love dreamy Pisces ☁️ thank you Kimia, can’t wait to see all that you explore in 2024 too!
I hope the new year brings much creative joy! Sometimes we need to go on the journey to figure out what we don't want. It can be equally valuable :)
You nailed it! Never any regrets to figure out and learn more about ourselves :)
Guess what we got for Christmas? The parents are human cards. It's like something - or a family member - was listening.
Or reading Substack comments! 😂 I hope you get to use them soon and they're fruitful gateways to your family stories 💛
Catching up on your posts and came across my name in this one! Thank you for the kind shoutout. Your Substack is on my "Read First" list in Inoreader, Carolyn. I just love your newsletter so much!
Hi Debbie! Missed seeing ya, hope your deadlines haven’t been too grueling 💗 appreciate you and your ability to nourish community and connection here on Substack!
Thank you very much for this!
I have been thinking about a similar thing and one thing I keep going back to is that for me to be able to find my own path, I need to take time for introspection and spend time on trying to figure out what I truly want. It is not a one-off thing but a continuous process, which means that I would need to show up for it every day. Once I figure out a path, no matter how foggy it is, then it will be time to take action.
Hi Doga! I agree that introspection is key to honing on what our true desires and purpose are. I love the symbol of a spiral to capture this notion of "finding ourselves" as we repeatedly arrive at similar lessons from different vantage points throughout our continued experiences in life!
“Nothing goes terribly wrong in these situations, but it never feels quite right. I show up half-heartedly. The art doesn’t look like my own. I look around at other impassioned souls in the spaces I inhabit and think to myself, is this what I really want?”
My nephew is an artist in his late 30’s and he has had the same puzzlement's as you and is traveling a similar path. He took a job in what I would call a "sweatshop for artists," for a well-known artist, in NYC and he left it within the year. You two may have common experiences to commiserate over. He is teaching art at two colleges right now and is still producing and selling, with similar hopes: https://www.johnguypetruzzi.com/
“I am still navigating my way through the fog as I hone in on what to focus on (writing, drawing, zines, workshops) and do less of what doesn’t resonate right now (editorial illustration, art products).’
Oh my goodness!! You are so multifaceted! You are amazing!
If you examine it, “life” is operating in a fog…and, like the song says, “That’s where the fun is!” You will either be blinded by the light or wandering through the soft fog. Clarity is boring; clarity is settling. Your talents are a part of you; they will never leave you, fog or no. Relax!
https://youtu.be/Rpq35wyDi7I?si=Ey-aEv3189Gj1BJQ
Your nephew's art is fantastic! Such wonderful detail. And life is indeed a fun-filled fog! Thank you for the sage advice!
Funny! Me a "sage?" I'm still in junior high between the ears!
Love the newsletter and wishing you all the best in 2024!
Thanks for coming along for the ride Rachel! To lots of lightness and joy in 2024!
Thanks for sharing Carolyn!
Likewise Marloes! Cheering you on in 2024 :)
Aw thank you for the shoutout! Following your newsletter has been such a joy. I love the metaphor of driving through fog to describe trusting yourself and your intuition. Putting your time and energy into projects that you resonate is so important! Excited to see what's in store for you next year :)
Thanks so much Christina! I've so loved following your personal projects and newsletter this year as well. Anticipating lots of growth and play for both of us next year!
"The fog I inhabit is dense with the vibrancy and possibility of combinations, and when I finally emerge, there waits the most dazzling forest of my dreams."
Love that quote! 💛
Thank you AJ! 🌳💫
This post speaks so hard to me. I am in the downward slope of my career...not qualitatively, but in the last several years I have realized my time no longer feels infinite. I wish I had had the courage 30 years ago to only make the art that spoke to my heart, but fear and necessity had too strong a hold on me.
I hope your New year, and all the years stretching ahead of hold hold joy and satisfaction in knowing you have made the art that won't be held back by earthly forces. It's an honor to share this space with you and all the other writers and artists that are here.
Time may no longer feel infinite the older we get, but it never is infinite for any of us! I'm wishing you lots of freedom and play in the coming years—that sense of "running out of time" can be the greatest motivator to follow our hearts. Thank you for being here with me Anne, and excited to see what's in store for us in 2024!
That's my plan! Feel free to hold me to it if I start to backslide.
I absolutely love this 🤍 Excited to see how the new year unfolds for you
Thank you Nikki! You as well 💗 are you coming to the next Substack NY hang??
I would love to!!! When is it?
Jan 27 I believe! See you there or let’s get a coffee otherwise 💛
Yes please to both xx
Send me the info 😍😍😍
Beautiful thoughts to close a year. It's inspiring to follow your journey (as an artist with an outside profession) as I muddle through my own path. Cheers and all the best for 2024!
All the best in 2024, Justus! It's so wonderful having you along for the ride, and cheering you on your own path.
Thanks so much for the mention, Carolyn! I'm really identifying with the "fog" you are writing about. While not really knowing what way I should go, I have felt really reassured about making artwork just for myself, and getting involved in community-arts based activities (despite being a shy person). I really enjoy your newsletter and I hope you have a great 2024!
Ahh I am a September bday so am a Virgo sun but Pisces is my moon! I love dreamy Pisces ☁️ thank you Kimia, can’t wait to see all that you explore in 2024 too!