This week I have received many correspondences regarding celebrating the achievements of this year and looking ahead to next year. Darren Rowse at Problogger has also started a group writing project on the subject which is serendipitous. I don’t tend to celebrate achievements enough, I usually berate myself on lost opportunities and change the goalposts at random. So now I am baring all and looking at the year in review.
My career
This year has seen massive growth in my fledgling art career. I have sold 16 paintings with several going to international buyers, painted many many paintings, had two shows and participated in several exhibitions including one in New York.
While not going into the figures here, I have managed to cover my expenses (materials, shows etc) with a reasonable profit, something, I have been told, that is very rare for emerging artists.
I have met a lot of great people online and have made some fantastic connections with organizations such as Sculptr and Barebrush.
Blogging
My blog has exploded, gaining valuable readers and many fascinating comments, I haven’t been able to reply to as many as I’d like, but I am delighted with the exposure my work and writings are gaining. My writing has improved, and I am enjoying finding interesting stories to post about and reading the reactions to my works.
Since moving to wordpress I have had a phenomenal amount of visitors and far better exposure, I finally got my domain name, blogging software and a great blog that works beautifully.
My Self
I assigned this year as the one to get on with my life. I have slowly built my strength up, allowing greater endurance and less pain. I am regaining my independance and am re-discovering my self, reclaiming my body from the injury.
Mentally, it has been a tough year, but I am stronger as a result and I have finally started gaining self esteem and confidence. I feel as if I am a whole person again, Someone I haven’t seen for a long time.
Next year
I think of this year as laying the foundations for my future. It was hard, probably harder that I would have ever thought, but by doing this work I think next year is going to be amazing. It is still going to be hard, I am working in a tough industry, but I feel that I have the ability now to push on and build on what I did this year.
Tags: blog project, blogging, musing, problogger, review
Jennie's Palette 
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Excellent Art! I had been looking for these kind not for something else but these art do have a lot of meaning in the, if you really know what they talk about.
I also got entry in darrens project.
http://technospot.net/blogs/index.php/2006/12/19/predicting-the-evolution-of-techspot-insideout/
And i am feeding your blog.There wont be another chance to meet so many bloggers
Hi Jennie,
kudos on a worthwhile year.
i surfed on by from Darren’s blog. drawn by your intriguing title.
i think we’re all in the quest for self-fulfilment and i can feel your sense of excitment at having mixed your craft with the ability to draw a decent income too.
here’s to a great 2007!
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Very interesting site, Jennie. Good luck with continued success in your artwork.
I find it funny how ‘prude’ american culture can be as well. I know one european woman who was shocked and amused when she visited New York and witnessed a mother and son in a movie theater. The mother immediately covered her son’s eyes during the sensual and nude scenes of the movie, yet showed absolutely no reaction during the most bloody and violent scenes.
I think it accurately portrays some of our warped values in this culture, unfortunately ;/
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Really love your art. I too am participating in Darrin’s writing project. Wonderful opportunity to visit some bloggers that I have never visited before. I have a friend who is an artist in Seattle and is curious how blogging can help her market her work. I will be sending her to your site. You’ve done a wonderful job.
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2007.
elana
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Wow, congrats, I always enjoy looking at the art blogs, I’ll add you to my Bloglines to see more of your work in the future! Have a wonderful Christmas & best wishes to you in 2007!
We also participated in this project, stop on by if you get a chance!
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This one makes sence “One’s first step in wisdom is to kuesstion everything – and one’s last is to come to terms with everything.”
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