Taking a Breath and Looking Ahead

Well, that's a wrap! I just finished my last outdoor show of the season, had a visit with family and now that familiar blend of relief and "now what?" is settling in. If you're a fellow artist, you probably know the feeling. It’s the time of year when the frantic energy of summer shows finally starts to wind down, and with it, my own internal compass seems to go a little out of sorts.

I've been busy, even with the show season closing. A few more other smaller events. I successfully moved the kiln (a major undertaking, whew!) and got some new shelving up to store pieces over the winter. Seeing all that space ready to be filled is both exciting and a little daunting.

This is the phase where I transition from selling what I've made to planning what I will make. The big question looms: What work will get me into shows next year? It’s a creative challenge that requires me to think strategically while still letting my hands do the work.

Right now, my studio is in a state of productive chaos. I'm focusing on a big making push—creating a lot of pieces at the moment so they can dry while I dedicate the next one to two weeks to glazing. I've got a glaze load all prepped and ready to go; it's just a matter of finding that sweet spot of timing.

And speaking of timing... tomorrow is my birthday! Another year in the books. As I get older, I always had this silly notion that life would start to slow down, get a little easier. Instead, it feels like I'm constantly chasing a better plan. This past year especially, I’ve realized that to truly make the best work and keep up this pace, I need to have an even better strategy for the coming year.

A huge part of that plan has to be built around the word "break." I'm pretty much on a 7-day-a-week work schedule, and honestly, I know that’s not sustainable. My goal for this next year is to intentionally step back, recharge, and make time for something other than the studio. I have to stop doing that! Lol.

So, here's to a slower, more intentional few weeks of glazing, some good birthday cake, and a renewed commitment to finding a better balance as I look ahead to the next show season.

What's one thing you do to help transition from a busy period to a more focused studio time? I could use all the tips!