End of the year Post!

This year has been a whirlwind to say the least. Between work and school, finding time for art, blogging especially, has been particularly difficult. I didn't post much, but I knew that I probably wouldn't go crazy with it, it's not quite my thing. I do wish that I had put more focus into my art the rest of the year. In the beginning, I always jump head first into every project, never thinking too much about it, just knowing that it will work itself out. Around the middle of the year, I tend to fall off. The same thing happened last year, and I told myself I wouldn't let it happen again, but here we are. Whether it's my dislike for clay and metals, or the anxiousness to finish the year I'm not sure, but it's something I need to work on. As I reflect, I try not to be disappointed in myself. This year was beyond busy, recreational art was not really an option, I didn't have time to sit and draw like I did before. But I'm going to make the time now, I have to. Writers always say that they are writers because they can't not be, I think it's the same with artists. I find myself itching for pens and pencils when I should be doing homework, or while I'm wasting hours away behind a counter at work after school. I can't help but think, next year it will be different. I will be totally consumed by art, I won't have a choice, and I am so incredibly excited. I know that I will need to push myself, and that it will be much more difficult than it was during high school, but I think I've been prepped well enough. I cannot wait to exert myself, force myself to think and work harder. To reach my limit, and then surpass it in every single way. To set new highs for myself  and to succeed and achieve. I have grown this year in a lot of different ways. Artistically definitely, but I think I finally found my niche. I've learned that not everyone is going to do the same thing, and that to be different, you have to stop comparing yourself. I do what I'm good at, what makes me feel inspired. I'm reminded of the love I hold for creation when I am painting or drawing and stop and realize how consumed I am by it, like nothing else has ever mattered. You can't wish that you drew or painted like someone else, you'll never become an individual if you have that mind set. I finally learned that this year. So, while I may have dropped the ball in various places (I apologize Mrs. Kiick!), I think that I have learned the most valuable lesson out of all four years of art. To be proud of your work, to let your passion take over and be confident that in the end it will be nothing but your own.