Hope is an Action Verb

Hope. 2026 brings hope. We must hold on to hope, to doing, to engagement, to each other. The work must continue challenging as it is at times. We must continue to "do our little bits of good". For me, art is one of those ways to hold on, though I must admit that it's been a struggle to create work over that last year or so.

I'm not one for resolutions or goals. Yet this year, well actually, at the end of last year, I was invited to join "The Nudge Club". It's a group of professional artists from the Adrian Center for the Arts who meet once a month to support each other’s practices - to give each other a little accountability poke. Apparently, I'm not the only one who's been struggling with roadblocks to painting: jammed studio space, no schedule, procrastination, sadness, stuck, blank canvas syndrome, bored, fear, self-criticism, bookkeeping woes... So I joined. We've met twice, set a goal, and action steps. Each month we meet to review the goal and action items. 

In the spirit of the club, here is my goal for the year: bring joy and fun back into my painting process.

Say what!? Isn't being an artist pure fun? I can say: not all of it. Part of the joy got lost in the mire of having to report taxes. There is a lot of detailed bookkeeping/accounting required as a small art business. It eats a surprising amount of non-fulfilling time, yet, on the upside, being a small business can offer significant tax benefits. Thinking about the money-side of being an artist can be a turn-off. Don't get me wrong, it's a thrill when someone appreciates my work enough to want to purchase it. But with a lot of business/marketing work consuming so much time, the fun took a hit the last couple years. I've learned a lot about accounting and record-keeping. I found a very helpful bookkeeper who graciously went through my books and explained some of the confusing parts (like tracking inventory, actual cost of goods sold vs. cost of goods). In addition, Hannah Cole, an artist/tax consultant that I follow online, just came out with a book called Taxes for Humans. It was a Christmas present to me. As a result, I'll be taking in more of her tips. Keeping up with my receipts and costs will be key again this year.
​
My hope is that this year paperwork feels less burdensome and mind-sucking. My hope is that through little nudges and a wonderful art support group, paint will be pouring freely again. My hope is that once again, I feel the thrill of watching colors mix on the page. My hope is that you and I notice the many moments of love, kindness, and beauty that still surround us even during the most troubling times, knowing that 2026 brings hope, knowing that HOPE is an action verb.