REFRAMED: 2024 Wrap Up

This year kicked off with an unexpected bang when I was approached by Vogue House (Condé Nast) to be included in their “Lisence to Kiln” campaign in House and Garden UK. It was an expensive and completely fruitless adventure, purely because I was entirely unprepared to have my work advertised by a magazine that big and I didn't know how to make the most of the opportunity. I didn’t have enough products on my website, I didn’t have any support at home to focus on creating new pieces and work on advertising, I didn’t invest in other marketing alongside the campaign, I wasn’t active on social media, and I didn’t make any new art…. I became absolutely creatively and productively constipated as soon as I agreed to be included in the campaign. 

I realise now that I was just in shock about the fact that I was even approached to participate… and upon reflection, I’m actually really proud of myself for saying ‘yes’ to something WAY before I was actually ready do it. I've learned a lot from the experience.

So, I sent an image of a giant blue ceramic vulva to Vogue House and they published it in their Printed magazine that was distributed across the world to fancy people who can afford country homes - and that is my favourite achievement of 2024.

And so, the year was off to a productive start…sort of.

As the year raced forward, I began to wonder about social media marketing and how I could be most effective there - minimal effort for maximum result. That way I could focus on making art rather than being a social media account manager as WELL as creating my work, managing the admin of a business, etc. So, I investigated a platform that advertised itself as an ‘organic growth’ tool for building a social media following; they said they’d put your content in front of the right people, and increase followers ‘organically’.. I signed up, because apparently I hadn’t spent enough money on fruitless ventures yet. I thought I’d save money and time on advertising, but instead got hundreds of bot-accounts following me… I quickly had to cancel the subscription to that 'organic growth' service so I didn't get flooded with Bot messages asking me if I was interested in spending more money on sex stuff.  

As time passed…

I decided I was going to enter the Urunga Small sculpture prize, and, in classic ADHD fashion: I left the build far too late and didn’t have a backup sculpture or other work prepared that I was happy to submit. So, I missed that particular opportunity but it's become a goal of mine for future years to prepare a sculpture for, because it looks great!

And then…

I submitted a piece of work to the Incognito Art Show, which I felt really proud about because I nearly did the same thing as the sculpture competition and left posting the piece quite late - but I didn’t miss the cut off! Its now online for sale.

AND THEN…

I graduated from Health and Harmony Colleges with an Art Therapy Practitioner certificate, and started the free online Art Therapy Sunday sessions prior to graduating so I could start to get some practical experience - I've had good reviews so far and would encourage you to join in on the next one!

And finally…

I went to the Witches Faire in Hawthorn in December, run by High Priestess to provide therapeutic Tarot and Oracle readings. I did a number of different readings throughout the day (ranging from 15 mins to 1 hour), and had a great time doing it for people I had no prior relationship or preconceived ideas about. It was great to test my storytelling skills, my ability to highlight connections between story, emotions, beliefs and behaviour. It was also great to provide some integrated reflective exercises for people to take away beyond the reading and into the next chapter of their journey.

Whats up next for 2025 

I’m going to be making some ritual pieces for your altar spaces, including energy infused candles (aka homemade spells for those who practice), tea light candle holders, and some ritual chalices. I’m still not ready for a market stall at the moment, but I plan on going to the Warrandyte Pottery Expo this year for some inspiration and motivation! 

I will be experimenting with Earthenware and sculpture work this year! I'm also going to approach my local Rotary Club about reading tarot at the monthly market in Mount Waverley.

I’m working on the third draft of a non fiction book I've been writing; I have some friends recruited to help me edit the work and create some visuals for it. I’m going to host more Art Therapy sessions online - I have ideas about a new online art therapy series I’d love to offer people for reflection and guiding them to some new personal insights, but that project will carry into 2026!

…and I think that’ll keep me plenty busy! I am also investigating the hiring of a part time marketer who can help me with my social media accounts, because I just have such an aversion to doing ‘content’ creation....(if you know anyone who may be able to help out, please get in touch!)

The way that Hayao Miyazaki responds to AI art is how I respond to Social Media marketing: 

Thank you to those who have been along this journey with me so far, I appreciate any support you’ve shown me over the last 2 years as I’ve launched and fallen, and gotten back up again. I’m sure there will be more hurdles along the way to full time self employment while working a full time desk job that drains and distracts my psyche - but if you’re also on a similar journey I wish you all the luck and courage you’ll need to get you where you’re aiming to be in life. 

Whatever you’re goals are for the coming year, don’t forget to just love yourself no matter what. You may reach some goals and you may pivot on others... but if you’re shaming yourself for not getting things done, not doing things 'fast enough', not being ‘further ahead’ by now, then you’re going to have a shit time on your journey. Be kind to yourself and keep trying.

Enjoy the journey.