I wanted to start off by saying thank you to those of you who read any of the things I share here. I know that, for the most part, not many of us have the patience or desire to read something outside of our interests for very long. Now that we have everything at our fingertips, our focus on any one thing barely extends beyond 10 seconds. I truly appreciate any moment you have given me.
The sun is now setting at 5:30 PM, and as I sit here typing this, we are expecting the first big snow to fall tonight. I actually love this time of year because the cold and darkness outside inspire me to create art. The warm glow of light inside a home, along with the twinkling lights of the winter solstice season, acts like beacons calling me to solitude. Maybe it’s because I was born in the winter, but I feel a deep sense of joy when all things go silent and the nights are at their longest. It’s not something I would want forever, but as a seasonal shift, I do love it after an active summer and autumn. When the light returns and the days get longer, I’m always ready for that too—everything has its place and purpose.
I’ve been using these last couple of weeks to wrap up open-ended art projects so that in the new year, I can start on all new things. Next year, there will be no new digitally rendered artworks created because I’m pouring all of my focus into traditional drawing and printmaking. I’ve produced a lot of work this year, and looking at the entirety of my collection, both traditional and digitally made, I can finally settle down and take the time to practice and learn how to perfect the traditional mediums I pursue. I mentioned in my last post that there is great satisfaction in digitally rendering an artwork and the ease it allows, but in the same breath, it also feels empty. When I’m pressed for time, I don’t mind leaning into drawing with my iPencil because at least it keeps me drawing, but it doesn’t allow for the element of surprise, nor does it force me to deal with the unexpected “accidents” that sometimes make for the greatest art pieces. I need that in my life—even when it frustrates me terribly—I still need that.
So, this is it for awhile - my last monthly blog post- my last reflective mind dive! Social media is not far behind this as another outlet I want to push away for awhile. Call it an online sabbatical of sorts.
The darkness awaits- what will I find there?
Good-bye 2025. Thank you for being here
With gratitude, Robyn
