The Day of Epiphany seems a good day for a little reflection as well as a little forward looking … so what did 2022 bring, what kind of a year was it?
There were quite a few clearly identifiable significant and positive events: the show at Galleri 1 (January/February), the show with Enköping’s Art Association (August/September), the Black Holes/Total Dobze residency (November), and Uppsala Art Museums Uppländska Salong (December/January 2023). In addition to these ’biggies’ were other activities and experiences which now that I come to think about it were, and are, perhaps just as significant though in other ways: being nominated and elected as chair of the Uppsala Artists’ Club, being selected as one of four mentors for students at the county’s art school, receiving a project grant from Enköping council (for the residency), on a both professional and personal note – moving to Uppsala, and of course giving notice on my studio in Enköping.
I have to acknowledge that 2022 was then a pretty significant year! Many of things that I mentioned were/are things that I had longed for and dreamed of: a solo exhibition, showing in Enköping, a residency, working with art students, being selected for a museum show. They weren’t always exactly as I had expected but that (obviously) has to do with my expectations rather than the thing itself. I generally find it tricky … uncomfortable … hard … to acknowledge my successes and/or achievements so rather than dig deep and analyse what went well – and in doing so risk picking at what could have been better – I shall leave it there and allow myself to feel a sense of well earned satisfaction. In fact and to be honest I am rather impressed that I managed to do so much while also working half-time!
And 2023 … what I am looking forward to … what do I want to do?
Being in the studio. I see now that much of last year had to do with showing, exhibiting, exposing, so it is not surprising that now I want time in the studio with materials … playing … testing … trying … investing … without expectation! I want to make the studio ready for this by both organising and clearing: shelves need to go up and scrap needs to be gotten rid of. I want to make a place were I can work well. For me this requires a certain degree of order with materials and tools as well as clean clear space in which to work.
Although it will be emotionally hard I am looking forward to leaving the studio in Enköping – I know that it is something that I need to do. I am looking forward to having one well ordered ’functioning’ studio!
Re-engaging with Following Eugène. I am excited at getting in to a research process again. I am giving myself the year for this … I have some starting points and want to let the process unfold in it’s own time and way … doing my best not to have expectations – a challenge!
Delivering a good Meetings programme at Supermarket 2023. My third (proper) year as Meetings co-ordinator and I feel as though I am finding my feet. My ambition is for a programme that generates long-term connections and networks as well as providing space for artists to learn from each other and share experiences.
Getting Glitter Ball going again. I have no idea what this means! All I can say for now is that there is something more that I want to do with the idea.
Applying for things. If I want to do things, be selected for things, then I have to apply for things. In the coming year I want to apply for lots of (as yet unspecific) things … exhibitions, commissions, residencies, projects. I want to do this with generosity, confidence, and integrity (rather than expectation, anxiety, and desperation)! I look forward to a year of learning how to apply for things by applying for things!
Being more professional. Generally being better informed about and more engaged with professional practice – taking my practice seriously without being uptight about.
Establishing myself in Uppsala. I am excited about finding my ways about the city and spending time with friends and artists here.
