My 2025 year in review: doing less but enjoying it
Blood sucker, 2025, Oil on paper, 12 x 8 inches
2025 was a difficult year for me because I gave birth to my second baby. I had to learn how to be less ambitious. I stopped taking on client work and I did not go into the studio for many months. Instead, I stayed close to home and off Instagram for the first forty days after giving birth. I let my mom take care of me. I cared for my baby and did little else for the first eight months. At the end of the year I spent almost two weeks visiting family instead of decluttering or making artwork. I sometimes felt like I wasn’t doing enough but mostly I enjoyed my new reality as a mom of two with an art practice and an old house.
While I didn’t aim to do much last year, I did surprise myself with some art and house projects. I completed the Met Copyist program, oversaw some house projects including an electricity upgrade, new oven install in our kitchen, and new stairs runner and carpet upstairs. I also participated in the first half of the Canopy 2.0 program. I made some paintings once I was back in the studio in the fall. I started working out again. I failed at making handmade gifts for the holidays, again, but maybe next year!
My family of four traveled to Washington, DC and Arizona without too much stress. We got to visit museums and see family. We all shared a hotel bed. We ate at restaurants and no one freaked out.
In 2025 I learned how to relax a little bit more. I drew my kids sleeping. I colored. I tried to enjoy the time I have with and without my kids. My husband and I hired babysitters on the weekends. We had day dates. I did not do a large public art install. I did not show my work in a gallery setting. But I did enjoy my year and I consistently made work. And for me, this past year, that was really, really great. I’m looking forward to a 2026 filled with consistent art making, keeping myself and my family healthy and happy, a slightly upgraded home, and some small trips.