2019: A Retrospective

So, this is the year I turned 40, and the year is almost over, and so is the decade... no pressure at all! To be honest, I don't feel like I have accomplished much this year, but looking back, I did have some really good experiences.

I saw two great art shows at the Smart Museum in February.

I had mixed feelings about the Laurie Simmons show at the MCA.

I came up with another cool design that was banned by Zazzle.

I saw some cool products at McCormick Place.

I wrote about a miniseries that showed the sinister side of the art world.

I saw some great things at the Spring One of A Kind Show.

I returned to The Other Art Fair as a visitor.

I published a new book.

I saw many beautiful things at the Gold Coast Art Fair and the 57th Street Art Fair.

I introduced a line of paperweights.

I made my first circular painting.

I had a fun "staycation" at the Merchandise Mart during NeoCon.

I finished a custom window treatment and bedding project.

I introduced a new series for this blog, Mood Board Mondays.

I made another round painting.

I gave myself a raise.

I did an interview with my friend, author Kalisha Buckhanon.

I saw some pretty patio furniture at the Merchandise Mart.

I saw some beautiful things in Ravenswood.

I saw some beautiful residential products at the Merchandise Mart.

I saw great art at SOFA.

I saw some beautiful things at the Holiday One of a Kind Show.

And I wrote a few rants about my ever-increasing frustration with social media, as well as a post about Wayfair's lack of ethics. I sold two of my paintings this year: Infra-Pink Inferno and Cosmic Ocean.

So perhaps this year wasn't that unproductive after all. I don't do resolutions, goal-setting, vision boards or intentions anymore and have no desire to make grand plans or pronouncements for 2020 or the years that follow in the new decade. Taking things a day at a time works better for me. I don't want to overwhelm myself or set myself up for failure. There are a few things I really want to do next year and I'm hoping that I will be able to afford to do them, hopefully with income from art and interior design and writing. Whatever happens, I plan to blog about it and also include it in my next art book. See you in 2020.

Mood Board Monday: a colorful mosaic bathroom

For the last Mood Board Monday of the year, I finally did a bathroom design since I hadn't done any yet. I designed this bathroom around an amazing vanity that I found that has a floral mosaic design on the front. I chose recycled glass terrazzo for the floor and a mirror with a mosaic border and a glass vessel sink.

Mood Board Monday: a bright citrus kitchen

Bright, bold, retro colors for everything from the appliances to the dishes and pots give this kitchen concept a mod twist. Shades of lemon, lime, and orange make it an energetic place to cook or just enjoy a nice cold glass of lemonade.

The artwork is by Sharon Foster.

Mood Board Monday: a neon pastel bedroom

The color scheme is a contradiction, a soft blend of neon and pastel colors. The shapes are minimalist but rounded and soothing.

Mood Board Monday: a red hot kitchen

This kitchen has a post-modern flair, red appliances, black cabinets, recycled glass terrazzo counters, and a mosaic backsplash.

The 2019 One of a Kind Holiday Show

This year's holiday One of A Kind Show is a very popular destination. I haven't seen it so crowded in a long time. Hopefully that's good news for the artists. Among the talented vendors I had seen there befwore were Mary Johnston Studio, Gourmet Goodies, Mohop, Necknots, Chula House, Muggy Tuesday, Larissa Loden, Lucky Skye Graphics, Christopher Royal, Alan Daigre Designs, Wood Cycle, KJ Made, and Dosa Natural Skin Care Products.

Before I list the new artists, let me take a moment to show you the fabulous Ponno Pozz booth:

Here are some new vendors whose work caught my eye:

Agape Fused Glass

Dania Olivares

Studio DGM

Lydia Andersen

Wood & Sliver

Stacey Lee Webber

Black Angel Designs

Genevieve Geer

MadHarriet Ceramics

Catherine McMillan

Shana Kroiz

Tasci Designs

Isabelle Posillico

Light + Paper

Fobots

Whiskertin

Artifex

David M. Bowman Studio

Trisko Jewelry

Ann Marie Cianciolo Designs

Stubborn Stiles

Sarah Holden

Pop Zoo

This is the last day of the show. It closes at 5 p.m. If you can't make it, you can still order from many of the vendors above online through their websites.