New year new artist mindset
So 2026 is here! As always, a new year makes me feel like reflecting back and taking stock of the previous 12 months but this time we go a little deeper and more personal, as 2025 was not the easiest of years. My word for last year was Balance… which undeniably was needed to manage such a hard year.
2025 was a mixed bag for sure. As an artist I had my first major art event at Fusion Art fair in March and then went onto have my first exhibition at Heart gallery in Hebden Bridge. Two massive milestones for my art career and something I feel very proud of as 2023 Cally would never have had the courage to do either events. However… in contrast my day to day job was incredibly stressful this past year, (more on this in a bit) and we lost a loved family member. Heart-breaking, but definitely puts things into perspective.
Celebrating my most successful year as an artist so far, alongside supporting my husband through his grief was incredibly difficult but I tried to keep in mind that whatever I was feeling was minimal in comparison to what he was going through.
Then back to my day job… as alluded to earlier last year was pretty stressful. I’ve had lots of difficult years in my job but this one was particularly hard and not what you need during such a difficult time personally. So it was the straw that broke the camels back as they say.
I decided to take the brave decision to step away from a managerial role in the hope that a less stressful day job will give me the headspace I need to pursue my art further, along with a much better wellbeing.
I’m confident that with less responsibility and a much more manageable workload I should have more energy to get creative at the end of the working day! This is a big risk though as I am currently in a temporary position but I am keeping open minded to all possibilities.
So with that in mind, I think my word for this year is going to be AGILE.
Not just doing more Yoga… Ha… but been flexible to new opportunities that may come. I’m also trying to think outside the box, how can I adapt my art and skills to new things in 2026. I keep reading that 2026 will be the year of analogue as people are craving a life away from social media and having more in person experiences. Could this be a good opportunity to look at more events? Or in person workshops? Definitely something to think on…
For now though I have a busy few months ahead. I’ve got Fusion art fair in March, my second time attending so I know what to expect and that I need lots of paintings. Studio time will be priority this month for sure.
Still exploring my latest series “Floral Misfits” which I’m really enjoying, I’ll talk a bit more about that soon but if you want to learn more read the below blog.
Then in May I will be exhibiting again at Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge for their Art in Bloom exhibition, which fits perfectly with my new series. Looking forward to working with them again, such a lovely gallery and Hebden Bridge is a gorgeous town.
So lots to look forward to already, 2026 I feel will be a year that will challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone but I’m excited to see what happens.
Thanks for reading, happy new year and here’s to a great 2026!