2024 NYR
This year WILL be abundant. This year WILL be the year of action after a year of preparation. Reflecting back on 2023, I felt as though I didn’t achieve the goals I had for myself. In some aspect yes, but for my art and my brand, not really. I was a little hard on myself at first because I’ve been here in Tampa for a year and a half now and have not put as much effort as I wanted to with blogging, adding my work onto my site, and marketing it. This year I WILL be posting more and blogging more. This year I WILL be showcasing more, in hopes that a gallery will take in my work and support the work I have made so far and in the future, and I hope to be supported more by the art community to keep me encouraged and motivated for what I offer to society: perspective and outlook on life.
2023 was a year where I was understanding more of myself and reflecting on the results of my actions. Good and bad actions of course, not everything I realized about myself was a disappointment, I did accomplish a lot and learned a lot already in life. I changed a lot, I feel more confident about who I am internally than I did before. I understand the needs of my soul a little better. The hardest part was actually admitting those needs and wants of my soul. My relationship with God makes more sense to me, understanding Jesus’ role in my faith makes me even more confident that the struggles and burdens I face were/are never faced alone but with a loving God every step of the way. I realized the struggle I have had with interpersonal relationships; friendships, family relations, situationships, relationships, everything. I have had met so many people that I would open up to and be this open hearted, vulnerable person, only to see them drift away and move forward in life; they get the advice or support they need from me and move on— but it’s hard to witness loved friendships pass along in life after all the year(s) and effort put into them…But such is life, I can’t keep keeping the anger in my heart. This was a tough one for me. I realized that me trying to “toughen” myself up and be rough could make me a bitter person and dissatisfied— something I fear of becoming as life continues to be lived. But there is no need to toughen a soft heart if you have one, which not everyone does and that is okay, but it is who I am and what I have. I must embrace that and protect it — I cannot always allow for my energy to be taken or used, not everyone deserves it, and it breaks me down slowly if too much of my attention, time and energy is given away out of the goodness of my heart. I must remind myself and ask myself a series of questions before doing so just so I keep myself in check. I must ask myself if the energy exchange is going to serve me. Most importantly, if it will serve God.
I reflected back on my art work, I did get a lot done and tried a lot of knew things…I’ve been working on this flower and vase idea for over a year and it’s been so cool to continuously be inspired to make more. I’m just so ready to share more of that to the world, I feel more and more people need it.
I discovered more of my heritage, where my blood is from, what my parents and grandparents life was like back in Russia before they moved to America. It wasn’t easy I’ll tell you that, but I can feel a part of me wishes I was raised there. That is a piece of me I cannot forget and only want to know more of. This being said, I started a series of oil paintings of scenes from my favorite childhood shows I used to watch as a kid. These shows are very much old, and were made for children during the soviet times. The reason why I have been so drawn to them is because they are meaningful, they are pure and intentionally good for the soul. The lessons I have learned and the parts of me that I discovered through them should and will be cherished for a long long time. They focused a lot on independence, taking charge of your life, and standing up for yourself. The music makes my heart sing with joy and remind me that life is a beautiful journey!
One more thing I will say I learned about myself was that when things are comfortable and consistent, I tend to want to change everything and make life complicated or take impulsive actions. But I had a revelation. I must keep things the way they are because they are good, and must amplify what I already have — including those who are in my life. There is no need to change life when it is serving you well! I understand that change isn’t always bad, but it’s not always good. Savor the moments. Don’t make life harder for yourself. Let God pave the way of your life and trust in the process. You may not see progress but I promise you it’s being made. Don’t doubt yourself!
I look forward to sharing more of my thoughts here in the next year!!! There is so much to share, show and say. Let’s stay comfortable and encourage to keep building yourselves to the person we want to be :)
Happy New Years friends! Talk soon
