Your posts always offer such a generous dose of inspiration. I am definitely curious about creating a self-imposed syllabus and would appreciate any tips you want to share on how to break down bigger projects into smaller steps!
Thanks for the kind words and the input, Rebecca! I will be sure to share. You're also welcome to join any of the monthly zoom hangouts for paid subscribers where I'll discuss in more depth. (Haven't planned it out or decided on dates yet, but will do so soon!)
My big ART project (retrospective show) is underway and will be launched at its opening on Feb. 15. Until then I'm pretty much consumed with deadlines, image labeling, curatorial decisions, getting the catalog together, statement writing, promotional stuff, renting a truck and delivering a ton of artwork to be installed, etc etc. I can't focus on ART and WRITING simultaneously. It's too fractious. BUT I'm so grateful to have all this creative energy swirling around, and I'm looking forward to the spring when I can get back to editing that book I've been working on for the past year(s). Happy 2026 Kelcey!!
So exciting, Karen! I trust you will share scenes from the exhibition! It actually sounds like a nice rhythm to have a big busy art show, then return to writing in the spring.
Oh I loved this - I was looking for my word of the year and this helped me decide this is the BIG year! Big projects, goals, love, ambitions. Thank you and good luck!!
I love how your process changes as you need it to! I think last year and this year are both part of my healing era, but this year's imperative is specifically "be kind". I picked "grow" last year, and boy did I grow, but I did not enjoy it :P I also do make resolutions but I make ones in line with the overarching goal word/imperative, so one of my resolutions is to buy flowers for myself every so often (every quarter to be specific) as an act of kindness to myself. That sort of helps make the imperative more concrete! But I'm always open to seeing where the wind takes me, so I'm excited to see how kindness manifests in my life in both planned an unplanned ways, towards myself and towards others. Thanks again for this post and excited for your next one, too!
Thank you for sharing, Joseph. These are such beautiful practices--being kind, buying flowers. They sound perfect for moving through a healing era. Sending you good wishes on your journey!
I’m not sure what era this year will be for me—I think I’ll be recovering from 2025 for a bit, but maybe that’s it: the space to simply be and observe…!
I hear you, Melissa. I feel like I've been "recovering" from publishing books for the last two years. I'm finally ready to dive back into working on them. Being and observing sound pretty wonderful. ❤️
This year I'm reviving my annual goal setting practice, that one of my artist friends and I did together every January. We were derailed by the pandemic, and then she died and losing an accountability partner let me keep putting off writing down my plans and goals for the year. (among other things with losing your friends)
I mean...I always plan, but there is something about putting it in writing and sharing it with someone that makes it more like you will stay on track.
This year, with the advent of my new studio compatriots (2 of my artist friends come weekly to use my etching press, which is a whole thing that I need to write about soon) I invited them to take part in the writing down of their art goals for the year, in particular in developing their printmaking practice. We are meeting this Saturday to talk about what we have written. Of course after reading your post today, there are more things that I need to think about and add to my intentions for the year.
Oh that's so hard to lose a friend and a partner in art. I'm glad you've got new art friends and are energized to share your goals with each other. I'll be interested to learn more about your etching press! In addition to sewing, printmaking is something I want to explore! I'm not even a Swiftie (I had to google her album titles), but I appreciate her as an artist and I use "era" in all sorts of silly contexts!
I am certainly looking forward to a new y(era)….and look forward to hearing more about your possibilities. I continue to plod along on my project, sometimes overwhelmed by the amount of work and thinking involved. Thanks for another great post!
I hear you, Cecilia! Maybe we can break things down and make some progress together this year! (Also, I thought of that word play too: year/era. And I totally forgot to mention my punch line that you can't spell impERAtive without an ERA! Lol.)
Me again from down under, Tasmania! this year i will be embarking on my big project: finishing a first book! Over the last week i have put myself through My Book Camp, which involved starting and finishing a graphic book. I've used Syllabus by Linda Barry to get me started. One week isn't enough to thoroughly appreciate Barry's book, so i will continue until i get the full idea of what she's trying to convey.
As a rule, i have always worked on my own . - i mostly make pots and pictures, but Catherine White, has put me into this Graphic Writing mindset. It seems so new and unreal, the task ahead seems more enormous wanting to learn new techniques. - but from my years of working as an artist i know, ongoing practice is key. Nothing comes in a wink of an eye. But still starting is terrifying!
I have heard of writers sharing their writing journey, with a guided professional at a cost, but I'm nervous about group chat idea, thinking there will always be someone dominating the conversation. i like the sound of a smaller intimate group, with careful consideration to each individual.
Are you able to contact me regards a group situation that may suite my nervous needs? And the cost and any other details too please.
Hello, Hermie! What an exciting journey, and thanks for reminding me of your connection to Catherine. You are in good hands with Lynda Barry's book! I'm still trying to figure out what is or isn't possible for a small group cohort, and trying to be realistic about my own time. I'm hoping to discuss with folks at the next zoom hangout (this Saturday at 11am ET). I know the times don't usually work well for you but I'll keep you posted if anything emerges!
Hello Kelcey, a brief note to say the hangout worked for me. i found it good to hear what others are doing, the similarity and different goals to my work and the stage of development is truly helpful. Thank you so very much for setting that connection up for us. Hope all is going well for you. Hermie
I’ve been embarrassed by my BIG IDEAS and BIG PLANS in the past, so I’m shy about sharing them. Or even having them! So many unfulfilled dreams. Like they were somebody else’s dream not mine. What are my dreams? Oh I know, I’ll have MY DREAM YEAR. That way, more naps. Hence more dreaming.
I totally get that, Peter! I think that's why I often stopped myself from thinking bigger: to avoid disappointment and pain. So declaring a "think bigger" year freed me up to do it and was full of many successes that made up for the rejections and disappointments. I like MY DREAM YEAR--even if you did turn it into a joke! (Because of course you did!)
Thanks so much for this, Jamal! "Coming back to self" feels poignant. We have to grow and explore new spaces, personally and artistically, but it is also so important to come back and check in with the self that started the journey.
I may be wrong, but I don't think of minimalism as an era for you--it feels like who you are!
And I'm not really a Swift fan either. I like her just fine but have never really followed her. I had to google her album titles! 😂
I was also wondering which lip color you picked! 😂 I left my memoir-writing era in 2024, and continuing my memoir-comic-drawing era that I started last year.
Loved this gentle and generous newsletter. My 2026 will be about nurturing authentic creativity-from my heart not head and trying to drop the ego, self concern and thoughts of others judgements.
I’ve stopped work and so can change direction as to where my energy and time goes. I am grateful everyday to be able to do this.
Thank you, Tina. I love how you define authentic creativity and am glad you are free to "follow your art" (which was my New Year's Imperative last year!).
So glad to hear it, Karen! Please also check out Jennie Nash here on Substack and at #AmWriting, where she's doing a great podcast series on Writing Big!
Kelcey, you're just great!
Aw, thanks, Suzume! ❤️
Agreed!!
❤️🥰❤️
Your posts always offer such a generous dose of inspiration. I am definitely curious about creating a self-imposed syllabus and would appreciate any tips you want to share on how to break down bigger projects into smaller steps!
Thanks for the kind words and the input, Rebecca! I will be sure to share. You're also welcome to join any of the monthly zoom hangouts for paid subscribers where I'll discuss in more depth. (Haven't planned it out or decided on dates yet, but will do so soon!)
My big ART project (retrospective show) is underway and will be launched at its opening on Feb. 15. Until then I'm pretty much consumed with deadlines, image labeling, curatorial decisions, getting the catalog together, statement writing, promotional stuff, renting a truck and delivering a ton of artwork to be installed, etc etc. I can't focus on ART and WRITING simultaneously. It's too fractious. BUT I'm so grateful to have all this creative energy swirling around, and I'm looking forward to the spring when I can get back to editing that book I've been working on for the past year(s). Happy 2026 Kelcey!!
So exciting, Karen! I trust you will share scenes from the exhibition! It actually sounds like a nice rhythm to have a big busy art show, then return to writing in the spring.
Yes indeed. My seasons are aligned! I'll definitely share about this show. Thanks, Kelcey!
BPE!!!! I hope you at least choose a new fave lipstick for this :) I ❤️ this post!!!
My "lipsticks" are all basically tinted Burt's Bees. Maybe it's time to branch out! 😂
I have exactly 2 shades of Burt's Bees lip crayons so I can relate 😂
Oh I loved this - I was looking for my word of the year and this helped me decide this is the BIG year! Big projects, goals, love, ambitions. Thank you and good luck!!
When in doubt, go BIG! Thanks, Nidhi!
I love how your process changes as you need it to! I think last year and this year are both part of my healing era, but this year's imperative is specifically "be kind". I picked "grow" last year, and boy did I grow, but I did not enjoy it :P I also do make resolutions but I make ones in line with the overarching goal word/imperative, so one of my resolutions is to buy flowers for myself every so often (every quarter to be specific) as an act of kindness to myself. That sort of helps make the imperative more concrete! But I'm always open to seeing where the wind takes me, so I'm excited to see how kindness manifests in my life in both planned an unplanned ways, towards myself and towards others. Thanks again for this post and excited for your next one, too!
Thank you for sharing, Joseph. These are such beautiful practices--being kind, buying flowers. They sound perfect for moving through a healing era. Sending you good wishes on your journey!
I’m not sure what era this year will be for me—I think I’ll be recovering from 2025 for a bit, but maybe that’s it: the space to simply be and observe…!
I hear you, Melissa. I feel like I've been "recovering" from publishing books for the last two years. I'm finally ready to dive back into working on them. Being and observing sound pretty wonderful. ❤️
Always, always, you inspire me!
This year I'm reviving my annual goal setting practice, that one of my artist friends and I did together every January. We were derailed by the pandemic, and then she died and losing an accountability partner let me keep putting off writing down my plans and goals for the year. (among other things with losing your friends)
I mean...I always plan, but there is something about putting it in writing and sharing it with someone that makes it more like you will stay on track.
This year, with the advent of my new studio compatriots (2 of my artist friends come weekly to use my etching press, which is a whole thing that I need to write about soon) I invited them to take part in the writing down of their art goals for the year, in particular in developing their printmaking practice. We are meeting this Saturday to talk about what we have written. Of course after reading your post today, there are more things that I need to think about and add to my intentions for the year.
Thanks again, and Long Live the next Era.
(and yes, I am an unabashed Swiftie)
Oh that's so hard to lose a friend and a partner in art. I'm glad you've got new art friends and are energized to share your goals with each other. I'll be interested to learn more about your etching press! In addition to sewing, printmaking is something I want to explore! I'm not even a Swiftie (I had to google her album titles), but I appreciate her as an artist and I use "era" in all sorts of silly contexts!
I am certainly looking forward to a new y(era)….and look forward to hearing more about your possibilities. I continue to plod along on my project, sometimes overwhelmed by the amount of work and thinking involved. Thanks for another great post!
I hear you, Cecilia! Maybe we can break things down and make some progress together this year! (Also, I thought of that word play too: year/era. And I totally forgot to mention my punch line that you can't spell impERAtive without an ERA! Lol.)
Very intrigued by big project syllabus, and the possibility of remote working appeals too!
Thanks, Amy! Just replied to your email! Stay tuned!
Dear Kelcey,
Me again from down under, Tasmania! this year i will be embarking on my big project: finishing a first book! Over the last week i have put myself through My Book Camp, which involved starting and finishing a graphic book. I've used Syllabus by Linda Barry to get me started. One week isn't enough to thoroughly appreciate Barry's book, so i will continue until i get the full idea of what she's trying to convey.
As a rule, i have always worked on my own . - i mostly make pots and pictures, but Catherine White, has put me into this Graphic Writing mindset. It seems so new and unreal, the task ahead seems more enormous wanting to learn new techniques. - but from my years of working as an artist i know, ongoing practice is key. Nothing comes in a wink of an eye. But still starting is terrifying!
I have heard of writers sharing their writing journey, with a guided professional at a cost, but I'm nervous about group chat idea, thinking there will always be someone dominating the conversation. i like the sound of a smaller intimate group, with careful consideration to each individual.
Are you able to contact me regards a group situation that may suite my nervous needs? And the cost and any other details too please.
Tank you for your time
Happy new year
Hello, Hermie! What an exciting journey, and thanks for reminding me of your connection to Catherine. You are in good hands with Lynda Barry's book! I'm still trying to figure out what is or isn't possible for a small group cohort, and trying to be realistic about my own time. I'm hoping to discuss with folks at the next zoom hangout (this Saturday at 11am ET). I know the times don't usually work well for you but I'll keep you posted if anything emerges!
Hello Kelcey, a brief note to say the hangout worked for me. i found it good to hear what others are doing, the similarity and different goals to my work and the stage of development is truly helpful. Thank you so very much for setting that connection up for us. Hope all is going well for you. Hermie
I’ve been embarrassed by my BIG IDEAS and BIG PLANS in the past, so I’m shy about sharing them. Or even having them! So many unfulfilled dreams. Like they were somebody else’s dream not mine. What are my dreams? Oh I know, I’ll have MY DREAM YEAR. That way, more naps. Hence more dreaming.
I totally get that, Peter! I think that's why I often stopped myself from thinking bigger: to avoid disappointment and pain. So declaring a "think bigger" year freed me up to do it and was full of many successes that made up for the rejections and disappointments. I like MY DREAM YEAR--even if you did turn it into a joke! (Because of course you did!)
Insecurity is the mother of all joking. Hmmmm. What does that say about me? I’m sticking with the naps and the dreams, with eyes shut AND open!
“Think bigger!”
I love it!
And, although I’m not a Swift fan, I love the premise of eras.
I’m still fully in my minimalist era but the phrase for the year (still being workshopped) is “coming back to self”.
Last year was a season of new, tension and growth.
This year I looking forward to coming back to the things I love and that shape my being in the world.
Happy New Year friend!
Thanks so much for this, Jamal! "Coming back to self" feels poignant. We have to grow and explore new spaces, personally and artistically, but it is also so important to come back and check in with the self that started the journey.
I may be wrong, but I don't think of minimalism as an era for you--it feels like who you are!
And I'm not really a Swift fan either. I like her just fine but have never really followed her. I had to google her album titles! 😂
I think your right about the minimalism 🥹
I was also wondering which lip color you picked! 😂 I left my memoir-writing era in 2024, and continuing my memoir-comic-drawing era that I started last year.
Haha, as I responded above, my "lipstick" is usually tinted Burt's Bees! :) Maybe I'll try an actual lipstick this year!
I am loving your new COMICS era!
Loved this gentle and generous newsletter. My 2026 will be about nurturing authentic creativity-from my heart not head and trying to drop the ego, self concern and thoughts of others judgements.
I’ve stopped work and so can change direction as to where my energy and time goes. I am grateful everyday to be able to do this.
Thank you, Tina. I love how you define authentic creativity and am glad you are free to "follow your art" (which was my New Year's Imperative last year!).
Your "thinking big " imperative gave me a nudge re. Getting books published etc. Thank you.
Wishing you a Big project full new year.
So glad to hear it, Karen! Please also check out Jennie Nash here on Substack and at #AmWriting, where she's doing a great podcast series on Writing Big!
Hi Karen! Just sent you a message through Substack asking to clarify your address! :)