to 2022

I know it’s already the 4th but just indulge me for a second okay?

Everyone said that 2021 was way worse than 2020 and in some ways it totally was and other ways it was much better.

2021 was the year that I completely chose myself; which is definitely what I’m most proud of. Before, I had a tendency to stay in jobs, friendships/relationships, and situations longer than I should have because I was too scared to make the change. But not this year.

In May, I had my first gallery show since 2018. It really restored my confidence in my work in the professional art context. I had summitted 10 of paintings all from different years and the piece they picked was my newest painting at the time.

In July, I put my mental health first and quit my full-time job and become an artist full-time. Now obviously this was always the plan but I never thought I was going to do it last year, it was much sooner than I originally planned. But in the month June my mental health was at just about the worst it had ever been; I was having panic attacks almost daily, my insomnia was out of control and I was very depressed. During this time is when I painted “you say the whole world’s ending, honey it already did” because it did, it felt like my world was ending.

I knew that things couldn’t continue the way they were going so I looked at everything and then made the decision to quit. And it was the best decision I ever made.

Working for myself took a lot of getting used to. I kind of fumbled my way through August and September. But I got more of a hang of it in October. I had another gallery show. And then another one in November. Sold the largest painting of my career. Made a lot of paintings that I’m very proud of. And just in December made the same monthly income I would have made at my old job. On a more personal note, I fixed my diet and my digestive issues. I meant some really wonderful people that have supported me on this journey and who I consider dear friends (you know who you are <3). And I discovered my power.

In 2022, I’m not pulling any punches, I’m not playing any games, taking no prisoners. 2021 was to show myself that it possible, 2022 is for making it all happen. And I’m so grateful that you will be by my side through it all.

With love,

Shannon

(reposted, originally posted on January 4th, 2022)