I use a phrase frequently when people ask about my artwork. I say, “I wanted to be a working artist, but I didn’t know how much work would be involved.” That is truer than ever these days. I am by no means complaining. I am fortunate to have had many projects this year and in the the coming year. I am looking forward to exhibiting my work again. It has been a while since I have had an exhibition of new work, especially a solo exhibition; which I will have 3 in 2019.

A good friend once told me that “the joy comes from the work.” While I think this phrase is inherently true, I have found that the joy is not always immediate, the amount fluctuates and sometimes it’s not the kind of joy you expected. Earlier this year I worked many long nights on my paintings, rehearsed in the evenings, all after working my “9-5” all day; which made for many tired months. I spent the whole fall in the theatre; directing, stage managing, building and even acting. All of this has made me extremely worn around my edges. And that makes it hard for me experience the joy from my labor. So, for now, all I can do is try to extract any sensation of joy from the season, my family, and my friends. My plan for the rest of this year is to keep working and making. If I didn’t, that would truly make me unhappy.