The Artist's Renewal: Looking Back to Leap Forward

Hello, fellow artists and creators. This past year has been an incredibly busy one, balancing so many different roles and trying to continue to create new work and so it was good to take a few days off. I hope each of you have managed to rest, and perhaps even get a little bit inspired as we draw the curtain on another year.

I recently took a short trip to Malacca, where I spent time with family and a few friends. My kids were impressed with the statue of Christ the Redeemer (above) at the Portuguese Settlement, a replica of its well-known counterpart in Brazil. The whole place was lit up and there was a bright and cheery mood. We explored Jonker Street, enjoyed Nyonya food, and browsed for small trinkets. It was a brief but meaningful break, a much-needed pause, a moment to breathe and connect with loved ones amidst the whirlwind of life.

And speaking of pauses, the end of the year always feels like the perfect time for a long, meaningful one. A chance to gather our thoughts, take stock of our artistic journeys, and perhaps even chart a new course for the year ahead. I hope you’re also finding time for a well-deserved rest during this season.

This time of year, is perfect for taking stock of our journeys. For me, the word that defines this year is Renewal. It’s been five years since I left teaching to become a full-time artist. That shift was both liberating and fraught with challenges. Without a safety net, a steady paycheck or colleagues to bounce ideas off, I found myself solely responsible for the success or failure of my work. At one point, the weight of that responsibility felt overwhelming and crushing

The shift from the structured world of teaching to the expansive, and sometimes daunting, realm of full-time art was a rollercoaster. Over time, though, I realized that framing my journey as a do-or-die endeavour was counterproductive. It was breeding fear, not creativity.

Renewal, for me, became about flipping the narrative. Instead of fearing uncertainty, I began to view it as an open field of possibilities. Setbacks are not discouraging obstacles—they are chances to iterate and improve. Setbacks are not roadblocks, but as detours leading to new and potentially richer creative landscapes.

Working full-time as an artist has taught me the value of designing my life on my own terms. This freedom isn’t without its difficulties, but it’s worth the trade-off. Renewal isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about approaching each challenge with curiosity rather than dread. It’s the recognition that trying, failing, and trying again is a process worth embracing.

This perspective doesn’t just apply to art. Whether it’s a career move, personal growth, or any life decision, renewal is about recalibrating when things don’t go as planned. It’s about understanding that failure isn’t final; it’s formative.

Lessons from the Canvas of the Past

Let's take a moment to look back at the year. What were your triumphs? What projects ignited your soul and brought you the most joy? Perhaps you mastered a new technique, connected with a community of like-minded artists, or finally finished that piece that had been simmering in the back of your mind for months (or even years!). Celebrate those victories, no matter how small they may seem. They are the stepping stones of your growth.

But don't shy away from the challenges either. Did a particular project fall flat? Did you struggle with self-doubt or creative blocks? Did you experience rejection or feel the sting of criticism? These experiences, while often painful, are also valuable teachers. They reveal areas where we can refine our craft, strengthen our resilience, and deepen our understanding of ourselves as artists.

I spend each morning reflecting the past day and thinking about today. A great exercise is also to reflect on your year. Here are some questions that may be useful to guide your reflection:

What were your biggest artistic achievements this year?
What challenges did you overcome, and what did you learn from them?
What projects or ideas sparked the most joy and passion within you?
What aspects of your artistic practice do you want to refine or explore further?
Did you find your creative tribe/community? If not, how can you find one?

Embracing the Blank Canvas of the Future

Now, let's turn our gaze to the new year, a fresh canvas brimming with potential. Renewal is about embracing this potential with open arms, with a spirit of adventure and a willingness to experiment. A key part of embracing this blank canvas is to be action-oriented and be intentional. Here are some of my thoughts on how we can take action and cultivate a year of artistic renewal:

Set Intentions, Not Just Goals: Instead of rigid resolutions, focus on setting intentions that align with your artistic values and aspirations. What kind of artist do you want to be? What impact do you want your work to have?
Embrace Experimentation: Step outside your comfort zone. Try a new medium, explore a different style, or collaborate with another artist. Allow yourself to play, to make "mistakes," and to discover new facets of your creativity.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: View challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Don't be afraid to seek feedback, to iterate, and to refine your work. Remember that failure is not the opposite of success; it's a stepping stone towards it.
Nurture Your Creative Well: Make time for activities that nourish your soul and replenish your creative reserves. Whether it's spending time in nature, visiting a museum, reading a book, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, prioritize self-care and make space for inspiration to flow.
Connect with Your Community: Engage with other artists, both online and in person. Share your work, offer support, and learn from one another. The artistic journey is often a solitary one, but it doesn't have to be lonely. Find a community or build one.

A Source of Endless Inspiration

On Christmas eve, I send a message to my subscribers about a recently completed a painting called "Living Water." It's a visual representation of the boundless energy and encouragement that I believe God provides to each of us. Whatever your faith or spiritual beliefs may be, I believe the universe is life-giving and constantly in renewal. It’s about tapping into the unlimited energy and encouragement that God supplies us all.

So, my fellow artists, let us step into the new year with a spirit of renewal, with a willingness to learn from the past, to embrace the present, and to create a future filled with growth, resilience, and boundless creativity.

May your new year be filled with inspiration, joy, and the courage to bring your unique artistic vision to life.

Warmly,

Emy

Editor: Check out Emy's artwork and collection here