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.