I’m going through a turning point.
A few weeks before the upheaval (that ended with a crying/rambling session on my staircase), I started feeling like I’ve been on autopilot – doing things the same way just because that’s what I’ve done for so long. Painting every day, sharing stuff on Instagram at least three times a day, researching companies to work with, writing and sending out my bi-weekly newsletter, and uploading and promoting new product designs.
MALIBU, 1972 BEACH TOWEL BY MELANIE BIEHLE ON SOCIETY6
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still doing all of these things – some combination of this type of activity is what is necessary to create an art career – but I’m stepping back, allowing more space within the confines of the tasks, and taking a more mindful approach to where I want to put my energy into my art business. I’m pausing to go back to why I became an artist in the first place.
Ever since I deleted tons of stuff on my to-do lists (that I NEVER did), I’m approaching my work and my days differently. I’ve spent a lot of time this week going through my art files from the past three years. I have so much work that I’ve saved that could make great prints or surface designs that I haven’t even attempted to work with yet!
My “main goal” right now is to get my art organized. I’m saving what I plan to use or have used/need to keep and scrapping the rest. I’m thinking in terms of surface design and painting collections and series versus one-offs. That doesn’t mean I’m going to stop experimenting in my sketchbook every single day and exploring ideas, it just means that I want to put more thought into what I release into the world, how I do it, and when it happens.
MASKED BY MELANIE BIEHLE | EMAIL TO ORDER PRINTS
Most importantly, I’m connecting to my work again…what I’m inspired by now and the things that have always influenced me. I’m thinking and feeling and exploring and being. And SHARING! I’m looking forward to sharing this “fresh start” with you guys and diving in deeper to the artwork that I do, why I do it, and how I got here.
I hope you have an awesome weekend. xoxo
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