Celebrating 4 Years as a Full Time Artist

I opened my studio 10 years ago and spent the first 6 years working 12-14 hour days, juggling a series of day jobs along with my art. Four years ago today was my last day at my last day job. It was also the end of a long era of making all my friends crazy by constantly talking about whether or not I should take the leap. The day I quit my 9-5 was at once terrifying and exhilarating -- it was a moment I thought I would never have the courage to make happen.

Every year around this time I take a beat and think about what I have learned in the past year and where my business is heading. Two years ago I wrote about the practical business strategies that I learned (sometimes the hard way, hello taxes!) in my first couple years in business. Last year, I meditated on a small act of kindness that happened 30 years earlier but continues to inspire me. I often think about my studio as my third child -- and this baby is not a toddler anymore! So where are we now?

 Well first and foremost, I am grateful.

This time last year I wasn't sure if my little studio would survive what was the hardest, most intense stress test small businesses all over the world have ever had to endure. But here I am a year later, thanks to the support of my wonderful collectors. Thank you all so much for sticking with me this year and for choosing my art as a worthy investment even at a precarious time. Thank you also for your patience when supply chain or delivery issues reared their ugly heads, and when my family and I came down with Covid and I needed time to get back on my feet. 

Lesson learned: have faith and count on your community. 

I am proud of myself. 

In this year I pushed my art skills by challenging myself to create a full collection entirely in colored pencil. The Intimate Moments Collection was a slow, meticulous, meditative body of work, at a time when everything else in life felt chaotic and unmanageable. These detailed, large scale drawings were  an exercise in control. I am incredibly grateful by how warmly it was received and have loved seeing photos you have shared with me of the art hanging in your homes. 

Lesson Learned: when external circumstances are moving too fast and feel out of your control, take the reigns by looking inward and slowing down.  

I am more excited than ever about the future.  

I have so much up my sleeve! The most imminent is the launch of a long awaited dream project. This year I set out to finally make a long term goal of mine come true. 

I have wanted to make wearable art tallitot for almost as long as I have been painting ketubot.  After six months of planning and hard work, I can't believe that the project is a few weeks away from its debut! 

This project has pushed me way out of my comfort zone, but I am so excited about all I have learned.

I can't wait to share the full collection with you! Pre orders will open in just a few weeks, so stay tuned to The Collector's List to be the first to get yours!