Goodbye 2021 and thanks . . . .

A Happy New Year to all,
or should that be a 'Happier' New Year to you!
(In the hope that it will be better than the last one!)
It's really hard to write a 'blog' when there is so much uncertainty in life, because everything we've taken for granted has changed. Previous events that have been a part of the artists calendar for years have been cancelled, postponed, or changed to an online format that diminishes that personal connection with customers. I can understand why people hesitate to buy art online. I, too, would hesitate, wondering if the colour seen on screen were 'true to life,' or if the materials and quality of finish were of a high enough standard.
I work in relative isolation and miss making that personal connection to potential buyers. It is so useful; not just for potential sales, but for sharing the story behind my ideas and for constructive feedback. As I write this, a new variant of Covid is spreading through the population of planet Earth and, once again, future event plans are uncertain. Thankfully, retail premises have been open since April 2021 and being a member of an artists co-operative, I've been able to offer my work for sale through our shops.
In the meantime, ideas continue to form and artwork goes on developing. January can be a dark and grey month here in Scotland and not great for painting, but good for printmaking, so I focus on this. At the moment there are attempts at collograph texture being trialed on my little book binding press. Once more, efforts to express elements of my 'coast and harbour' theme. There is also a Sea horse linocut print still waiting for printing too. I'm really hoping January will be a productive month on the printmaking front.
In this year I'd like to make a few 'artists books', something I've not done for a while. I'll also be putting more effort into making more online sales. I already produce the best pics of my work, that my limited skills can produce and include full descriptions of materials and dimensions, but there are 'apps' I can use to improve how the work is presented online. I'll be investigating this shortly. If only being an artist was purely about creating art, how simple would that be? It looks like another busy, creative year lies ahead and I'm looking forward to it all!
I'm really thankful for the lessons, challenges, support, love and friendships of 2021 and to still be here and getting on with life in some form or other . . . . .
I hope your new year is full of hope and plans . . . .
best wishes to you for 2022,
Liz

. . . . . cherish your journey . . . . .

Pic at top and lower left- collograph plate at the top, print below.
Pic at lower right- collograph plates

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