I believe I am more excited about a fresh start and new year this year than in previous years. A proper and thorough Neujahrsputz has already taken place in the studio. (And yes, there is a German word for that deep clean we tend to do after the holidays and a new year approaches or zwischen den Jahren the German phrase for the time between Christmas and the new year.)

For 2025, I have ideas upon ideas alongside art making goals that may be a little upon the ambitious side . . . like making 50 paintings during the year that I will turn 50! But after all that 2024 held for me, I am inspired to take them somewhat seriously. My idea of what success as an artist means is also shifting. The older I get, the more I continue to learn from the other artists I know, meet, and work alongside. I am becoming more and more convinced that success as an artist truly looks different for everyone and is subjective. While there is no one path to it, for those who find it for themselves, those observing can see the objective qualities.

As the new year ushers in, thank you for the creative conversations 2024 held, and thank you to everyone who invited one of my little paintings into your homes.

Often people attempt to live their lives backwards, they try to have more things or more money in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are then do what you need to do in order to have what you want.

Margaret Young