Resurgence!

It's been a long time since I wrote. Last year was kind of dormant for Joe and I. My back issues continued to plague me, making it hard to do art fairs. Joe was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Merkel Cell Carcinoma. He began immunotherapy treatment in August and on his last CT scan he was clear of cancer. One more clear CT and he's officially in remission! Immunotherapy is the way to go for Merkel Cell.

Then, why the title "Resurgence?" Because my goal this year is to find my niche, improve and grow my little business. Originally, I had thought that tutorials were the way to go. As I've looked over my blogs, it has become clear, that reflecting is more suited to me. It's also clear that I LOVE teaching others. Individual and small group classes and the social benefits they offer a solitary profession is right in my wheelhouse. Also, because art fairs are difficult for us physically, we are going to limit them to a few per year, share a booth with good friends so we can help each other, and increase our online sales presence.

Last year I had a request for a commission that really turned out beautifully. I can't believe it, but the buyer paid me MORE than what I was asking. I had good sales, mostly of my birch tree art, at the Holy Hill Art Fair and as a result, got a call to request a private lesson in mixed media making. I helped a woman create a beautiful piece that captures the essence of her mother using materials from her mother's life. This was immensely fun, and fulfilling.

Currently, I've made a piece for donation to a concert band fundraiser. I'm also offering a class for four to be auctioned off. I'm hoping it will lead to more classes. I'm also in the process of updating my Etsy shop with new pieces, and I'm planning on creating my own shop on this website. I need to resuscitate my Facebook page and update my website. Finally, I'm going out on a limb and submitting a piece for consideration to be exhibited in the Racine Art Museum Community Art Show. We'll see......

Hence, the title. Resurgence. New energy. Always evolving. Taking risks. I hope you come along with me. Creativity is essential to life!

This piece will be entered in the Racine Art Museum Community Art Show. The theme is Futures Reimagined. Fingers crossed, it gets accepted.

The donation piece. Title: A Bird in the Hand

The small piece on the mantel and the large piece on the right. The large piece is a commission.