Last year I felt like I was being brave, claiming the identity of artist for the first time but in reality it was all baby steps and done almost apologetically and with some level of embarrassment.  I have decided 2016 is all about being brave, really brave, and owning what it is I aspire to.

So I have updated my bio to focus on the present and removed all apologetic and explanatory notes that seemed to say, “I’m trying to do this now, but previously I was doing that and it was kind of related but I’m not really ready to own this yet because everyone might just laugh at me”.  2016 is about owning it all.  

In that spirit I am submitting applications for a number of opportunities to get my photography out there and hopefully receive some constructive feedback and even some future opportunities for development and growth. First submission already done and dusted is to the Photobook Melbourne Photo Award 2016 which opens on 4th February. I have a group exhibition coming up in April with Tribe for Art.

I also want to commit to seeing through my vision for my series In Absentia and I think I will start pursuing opportunities to exhibit the yet to be completed full body of work in the second half of this year. And with all this exhibiting in mind I want to commit to attending Les Walkling’s workshop on the digital print at CCP this year (fingers crossed he runs it). I think if I really want to get serious about producing quality artwork then this will prove an invaluable confidence booster when it comes to bridging the space between screen and print.

So that’s it, my 2016 artist manifesto of aspirations set out in black and white to hold me accountable.  As for my arts consultancy I plan to actively get out there and network to find new clients. New clients mean exposure to new art, ideas and opportunities and should also bring in some revenue to fund that digital print workshop and all those exhibition prints. Yeah, that will work out just right.

What are your 2016 art goals?  Can I help you achieve them?