As we kick off 2024 and wave a cheerful goodbye to 2023, I can’t help but take a moment to reflect on the wild ride that was last year. Boy, did we go on an adventure! We showcased our artwork at a virtual event, rocked a book fair, dropped some groovy music videos, laid down fresh tunes, hosted an epic workshop for artists, and even graced the stage with some live speaking events. Not too shabby, right?
But, hold up! Amidst all the glitter and glam, there’s a little something missing from that list—new artwork. Yup, I confess. Although I managed to sneak into the studio a few times, it wasn’t the art extravaganza I’d dreamed of for 2023. And let’s face it, having that studio time is like a therapeutic dance for the soul. I am missing it. I typically get in the studio about 4 to 5 days a week, however last year I was lucky to get in there for a day.
As an artist, I’ve come to realize that the studio is more than just a room with art supplies; it’s my haven, my escape. It’s where I unload the quirks of life and let my creativity run wild. Last year, however, the art vibes were a bit off, and I found myself craving more studio time than I got.
So, what’s the deal, you ask? I got in over my head with a website that turned into a glitchy rollercoaster, demanding my attention like a clingy friend. I found myself playing firefighter, putting out technical fires left and right. And guess what? The art studio, my personal paradise, got neglected. This also affected us financially since we do art for a living. No art, no making a living. More importantly, I was making things more difficult for myself by holding onto the idea that I NEEDED to do this.
So, we let the glitchy time-consuming project go.
Now, why am I laying it all out for you? Because, I want you to join me on the reflection train. Take a look at your 2023 – the highs, the lows, the sideways somersaults. Reevaluate, recalibrate, and make sure it feels good. Focus on the day-to-day dance of joy.
As creatives, we’re like wizards in our art studios, casting spells with every stroke of the brush. But if there’s anything messing with that magic, it’s time for a shake-up. Make getting into the studio a priority, not an afterthought.
If creating art isn’t your jam, no worries! Find that thing that sparks your excitement and lose yourself in it. Maybe it’s hitting the trails for a hike, diving into a gripping novel, or even mastering the art of staring at the clouds. The possibilities are endless.
Whether you’re into art creating, gardening, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, strumming a guitar, or even geeking out over the latest video games, the self-love things you do are the secret sauce that adds flavor to your life. In the hustle and bustle of everyday chaos, it’s easy to push these joys to the sidelines. But guess what? It’s high time to reclaim that precious time for the things that make your heart sing.
So, here’s your golden ticket to joy: make a date with your special things. Seriously, schedule it in your calendar, set a reminder, and treat it like a VIP appointment with your happiness. Just as I’m prioritizing my studio time, you should carve out those moments for your passions.
Whether you’re nurturing a green thumb in the garden or experimenting with a new recipe in the kitchen, these activities are your personal playgrounds of joy. Remember, life is not just about the hustle; it’s about the dance, the laughter, and the pure enjoyment of doing what you love.
Last year, I got stuck in a loop, surrounded by projects I couldn’t touch because I was stuck behind a computer. Why? Fear of change, the dread of letting people down. I’ve shouted the mantra “persist through the suck,” but here’s the kicker—it doesn’t mean sticking with something you don’t want to do.
Motivations can be tricky devils, pushing us to greatness or chaining us to something that sucks the joy out of life. So, let’s be rogues! Rip that metaphorical band-aid off, reevaluate what’s holding you back, and dance into the year with joy in your heart.
I am happy to say that this year our Rogue membership and our awesome Rogues have moved back to Patreon. This has already given me more time to create and we are only two weeks into the new year. If you have been thinking about supporting the content that we put out there for artists, that will be the place to do it. Plus, you get all kinds of cool stuff weekly from us that is exclusive to our members. Join us on Patreon!
As for now, I am excited about some new art projects that are currently in the works. I have a series of sculptures, new paintings, and a new book that will be releasing in the next few months. I can;t wait to share them with you! Expect a tidal wave of awesomeness this year! Klee and I are buzzing with excitement to run our revamped Patreon, juggle some mind-blowing new art, new songs, and finally unleash those projects that have been chilling on the back burner. Get ready for a rollercoaster of creativity and joy!
Stay awesome, rockstars! See you soon with some fresh, mind-blowing awesomeness!
Hello Rafi and Klee,
It started two years ago when life got more complicated than usual. My eight year relationship ended, my 82 year old mother broke her hip, my kids father died unexpectedly, my oldest son and his girlfriend were and are full-blown drug addicts, my middle son got clean from drugs and is now being a good single dad of his son, my youngest son got married to a beautiful girl and I had a kidney thing in the midst of all that. I have also been in a whirlwind of house projects, one after the other, with me doing nonstop work alongside professionals as well as me being the general manager. I have personally worked on the design and execution of most of these projects inside and out. I am now coming to an end of remodeling with just the decluttering and clean up to finish, which is no easy feat in and of itself. I have worked so hard on the house that my artwork, website (which is still not up and running) and anything to do with my studio over these two years have suffered. As I reflect, I can see a pattern of putting everything else above creating art; my house projects, my family, and friends, and all the other things I thought needed to be finished before the art could be addressed. It seems that I put everything and everyone above the very thing that I wanted to do the most, art. Anxiety, helped me to bring many things into my house, so I am still dealing with the overload of projects that I don’t want to do, and now need to find a new home for, as well as organize the excess of art assemblage materials and every other thing I thought was cool from free piles and from my local recycle center. My goal, is to have my studio, workshop, sewing room and gallery, which are all in my very cool basement, decluttered and cleaned by February, so that I can start enjoying the space with room to create. A safe haven, to get away from the world and let my creativity flow like water over the dam. I also want to take better care of myself, which I’ve also neglected to do over the last two years with working too hard physically. Thank you both, for the many inspirational videos I have had the pleasure of watching and of which have given me what I needed to carry on over these last two years. Now that I am almost ready to go create in my wonderful space, and my life seems to be leveling out, would you consider doing a video on motivation to do so. It is a bit scary to get back in the groove of creating. I know “fchunking, and “just do it” are videos you’ve done, which I’ve enjoyed, it would be nice to hear any other tips you may have to alleviate the sense of overwhelm and apprehension of restarting the life of an artist after a tough couple of years. By the way, I am one of the fools who fold their underwear and that song has been a reminder that there are many more important things to do in ones life. I love that song, but I’ll most likely continue to fold my underwear as that’s who I am, tidy and efficient. I think Klee and I may be soul-friends. I am also the fool for putting so many people and perceived things before what really makes me happy…creating artwork, writing poetry and being a more carefree soul. Here’s to a more productive year in our studio. Thanks again.
Though I wrote a book and am building a website and I paid a publisher and have a website builder, none of it got finished. This was disappointing to me. They are all still in the works, the publisher is now doing the finishing work on copyright, trademark, media and website, it will be on 30 different platforms eventually. In the meantime I have inventoried all my art, made more, sold a few and everything kinda got stuck waiting for my final edits and publishers hands. But I did write a 600 page fiction, and I can’t wait to share it. So, as I let my Ebay business go during this time, while waiting I am now beginning to list all of my death pile, and continue writing my second book. It was wonderful this year to get my brother’s house where I live, with him and my 95 year old mother almost completely remodeled. That was awesome, it was a dump, now it’s beautiful, new flooring, windows, paint etc. All 3 of us are seniors, and we all have our physical problems so all in all 2023 was a good year. So now, I can’t wait for the fruition of the work I’ve done in 2023, to get the finished product in hand. Yet, I will still have to wait on my publisher for book launch time. And I realize in all thankfulness that everything is handled in God’s timing. However, I’m praying for “Results”, sooner than later. I will continue to work towards even a bigger dream and plan as the book release date just has to be soon. Thank Raffi and Klee you inspire me