I love the changing of the years, reflecting on the past twelve months and looking ahead with hope into the potential that spreads across the next twelve. 2015 was a year of great creative development for me, continuing to rediscover painting and the art which I thought had been left behind in those bright, high ceilinged classrooms. There were many highs and lows over the months- and so much growth and learning in different areas on the way.
I (and the shop here and Etsy) am currently on maternity leave but that hasn’t stopped my brain from dreaming up new ideas. In fact I think the space freed up in my mind has allowed it to pursue new avenues! I want to make sure I’m continuing to be creative in the year ahead.
So at the moment I have three creative projects lined up for this year.
After painting a few floral letters as wedding gifts last year and deciding to do one for Amelia, I am going to complete the rest of the alphabet. I did the wedding ones with wedding bouquets as the florals but I will be able to explore and try different flowers through this project too. A weekly project means I can do one a week and complete two alphabets in the year. I might do two styles of letter- florals and other objects! If you have any ideas or requests, let me know in the usual ways- hello[at]zoeprose[dot]com or social media links at the top of the page! They might appear as prints in the shop so I am happy to take creative suggestions. I also have a fun idea for the originals which will be revealed in good time!
Secondly, I am planning on a shorter term weaving project – creating nine weavings inspired by the fruits of the spirit. I’m not setting a specific time goal- perhaps I will manage one a month, perhaps more or less. I create best when I have motivation and direction so I am more likely to weave and learn new things with a project in mind.
And finally, I have already sneaked this onto Instagram- Our Creative Isle. Instagram is my favourite place online in so many ways, and I wanted to create a community for creatives here in the UK. Small creative businesses, makers, artists, handmade, there is so much of it here and I would love for us to be able to support and encourage each other. By tagging #ourcreativeisle we will be able to create a collection of UK makers and artists, and I am featuring different accounts on the @ourcreativeisle Instagram along with some advice, words and encouragement from the makers themselves. So if you are also a UK creative do follow along and join in with the hashtag. I’m excited for us to connect, inspire and encourage one another. Everything is better with a giving attitude, with friendship and community, especially in what can be a tricky space on social media.
Having a set of new goals and creative aims is such a fun way to start the year. I’m also having fun starting to illustrate my faith in my journaling Bible(s). As always behind the scenes to all these are over on my @zoeprose Instagram ! Are you setting yourself any creative challenges this year?
cARLY says
i LOVE YOUR FLORAL LETTER – YOUR COLOUR PALETTE IS REALLY PRETTY!