As 2024 draws to a close, I’ve been taking some time to reflect on everything this year has brought—successes and setbacks, lessons learned, personal growth, meaningful connections, and incredible firsts. Looking back, I can proudly say that my New Year’s resolutions for 2024 came to fruition in more ways than I ever expected. It has truly been a year of transformation and success in so many aspects of my life.
This year, I set a major intention: to pour my energy and focus back into my art. After undergoing major knee surgery—MACI TTO—over a year ago, I found myself in a challenging place, both physically and emotionally. Leading up to the surgery, many of the things that used to bring me joy, like creating art and training for marathons, had to take a backseat. But as I began my recovery in 2024, I made the decision to reinvest in my passions, especially my art.
This commitment wasn’t just about picking up a paintbrush again. It was about fully embracing my creative journey: building new collections, entering art shows, revamping my website, finding mentors, connecting with fellow artists and collectors, and deepening my knowledge of the art world. And I did just that.
One of my proudest achievements was creating several new collections, including my Arbor Impressions series and a botanical series I’d dreamed of starting for years. I also continued exploring landscapes and seascapes, pushing myself creatively with every piece. Along the way, I submitted my work to numerous art shows, and one of the most surprising and rewarding experiences was participating in the PBS KVIE Art Auction. To my amazement, my painting not only won a Juror’s Award in the Contemporary Division but also raised over $2,400 for PBS KVIE’s charitable funds. That moment was an incredible honor and a highlight of my year.
Another unexpected milestone was attending Art Basel Miami during Art Week, something I’ve dreamed about for years. Immersing myself in such an inspiring and vibrant art scene was unforgettable. I connected with professional artists, gallery owners, and curators, building long-lasting relationships and gaining valuable insights into the art world. It was an experience that left me feeling more inspired than ever.
As I look ahead to 2025, I feel incredibly optimistic and excited to continue building on this year’s momentum. My New Year’s resolutions for 2025 are similar to 2024 but more expansive. I want to:
• Continue building relationships with artists, galleries, and art collectors.
• Plan and host my first solo art show.
• Have my art represented in more galleries.
• Work toward showing my art at major international art events like Art Basel Miami, Art Basel Hong Kong, Untitled, NADA, San Francisco Art Fair, to name a few.
• Be featured in art magazines and other publications.
• Participate in a residency program to further my growth as an artist.
• Continue working with my mentor to build and refine my portfolio.
• Travel more to gain new inspiration for my work.
• Focus on knee recovery, getting back to running, yoga, and gardening—things that bring me balance and joy.
• Attend a yoga retreat hosted by a friend that I’ve been considering for some time.
• Return to Art Week Miami and dive even deeper into the incredible art scene I only scratched the surface of this year.
• Start painting even larger pieces, creating huge statement works that I’ve always dreamed of. Visiting Art Basel and seeing large-scale works in person was incredibly inspiring, and I’m ready to take on this challenge and bring my vision to life.
As this year wraps up, I’m more inspired than ever to dream bigger, push myself creatively, and continue sharing my journey with all of you. I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store!
What were your 2024 New Year’s resolutions? How did they shape your year, and what plans do you have for 2025? Let’s reflect together—drop a comment below!
