As I was cycling to work the other day I noticed that someone had thrown out a rather nice carrom board. I remember how I loved playing this game at a house party a few years ago but was put off from buying one myself as a decent board is quite expensive.
I decided that should it be there when I finish work then I will fish it out of the rubbish and take it home. As luck would have it, it was still there and I really struggled to carry it whilst riding my fold up bike but I managed it and now my arms are hurting as it’s a little on the big and heavy side.
If I’m honest, I’m not sure where 2011 went it passed that quickly. I only have to look at little Charlie to realise how much things have changed when I compare his development now to when the year first started. It is as if someone flicked a switch in the new year and away we went as we listened to his chatting away ten to the dozen and getting into all sorts of mischief. He’s turning into a lovely little boy but then I would say that would I?
My main resolution for the year was to start selling a few of things that I make. Initially the idea was to set up a park bench stall and sell during my lunch hours to the tourists gliding by. it wasn’t long though that I discovered the local Country markets and got involved with them instead. This has been a great deal of fun, not only because I accomplished my goal but also because it’s really nice to get involved and help out with local activities.
Another goal for 2011 was to put together a comic. Now this is something I’ve always fancied doing but never was in the right frame of mind. It wasn’t until I started speaking with other artists and reading up on other people’s progress on cartooning that I was finally encouraged to have a go myself. As most of my projects fizzle out and get overtaken, I decided to put out a newsletter detailing my progress and appealed to subscribers - this way if I was to give up then I wouldn’t just be letting myself down. I’m very pleased to say that I saw this project through to the end and I will be sending a copy of the finished product out to all those lovely, encouraging subscribers in the new year.
Finally, whenever I used to sum up previous years on here I would alway include something about visitor stats. I guess when I was starting this sort of thing was important but now that I’m up and running, plugging into various art, zine and social media channels I know I get many people passing through. Seeing as though I haven’t checked visitor stats since the end of last year I took a quick glance now and am very surprised to see a steady increase throughout the year. It would be interesting to see how they relate to the many project updates I post on here.
I have really enjoyed 2011. It has been a creative and kind time for me and I hope this carries on through next year. So what for 2012? Well I have a few ideas but if I told you now, I wouldn’t have anything to write about, would I?
My sketchbook is full of ideas that never made the grade. This week’s Illustration Friday reminded me of an idea based around Salisbury’s only highlight - the cathedral. I don’t think it worked very well on paper as it did in my head.
About six months ago an appeal went out for people to support a zine project by buying small ads in a classifieds section. I took out a small ad as I wanted to give my support as other had with me - can you find me?
The whole zine is beautifully hand drawn by Andrea Joseph and you can view her work here as well as get hold of a copy yourself. It’s really very good.
