It's Been A While.
Reading, resting and looking to the light.
It’s been a while since I’ve shown up here.
Like many new things I start — I try to get into a habit, give myself too big a task and then end up giving up. I should know by now that it’s the tiny little habits that eventually make the big changes.
So, let’s go again — we’ll see how we get on.
It’s been a slow start this year. I finished 2024 insanely busy, and proper knackered. I had a busy Christmas with family, so planned the first week off in January to chill out. But of course, immediately got hit with the winter lurgy. Always happens when you work too hard! Do I ever learn? It’s left me crazy lethargic. Work has been quiet thankfully — I mean, it always is in January. But I’ve been able to take it pretty easy without the guilt.
When I’m not sure what to do with myself, I hit the books — and the quieter month has given me the opportunity to read some right goodies. One I’ve just finished reading is the Neneh Cherry Bio, A Thousand Threads — which I loved for many reasons. The Sweden / NYC / London backdrop. The nostalgia — Raw Like Sushi was one of the first albums I ever bought (on cassette no less). And of course the inspiration from a powerhouse creative woman.
I love reading biographies — particularly from artists I admire. Especially when I‘m feeling demotivated and a little creatively blocked. This was a tonic. So much inspiration. Reading about the challenges other people have overcome always gives me perspective. I was particularly drawn to how Neneh (inspired by her Mum) weaved her family life into and around her art and work. Everything messily intertwined. Being a mother from an early age fed directly into her practice. Whilst she acknowledged the difficulties and limitations that also brought — it was how it needed to be. So, she made it so.
It made me think about how I want to work on balance this year. Without falling into a comparison trap. To earn a good living, develop my art practice and live a happy life. One where I can be there for my soon-to-be teenage daughter. Where I’m on hand to help my parents. That I have time to spend with my partner, and my friends. But I can absolutely carve time for myself and my creative practice. To make something beautiful, and meaningful. But to play and have fun too. Where everything lives together somehow, jumbled, but without pressure. Sometimes it feels like an impossible task, but I’m sure it’s doable. Sure, sure, sure it is!
The further I move away from the traditional 9-5, the more I feel like I’m coming back to myself. Within all the negativity in the world — I feel optimistic — about the people around me, and the path I’m creating. If we connect with the people around us, our communities, our own life, work and practice, I know we can slowly build out, bit by bit, spreading the good energy. I know too many good people for anything else to be true.
In the wise words of Gandalf — look to the light.
(He didn't actually say that at all, but that was kinda the gist I reckon).
Until next time,
Dani x