DEC 31ST 2021

Here comes the new year. Again.

This is a day a lot of us look back at what our year looked like over the last twelve months, especially for myself as I turn another year older. A day to bring in a new coming morning to start again. Some of us think about what goals we want to achieve, or the so-called new years resolutions. That's great, however today I had other thoughts about that and what that means to my pursuit as an artist/a human being.

About 4 weeks ago I laced up some new running shoes as a means to stay active and try to be a bit more healthy. I felt this kind of exercise was suited to my schedule. At the time I was heavily swamped with a commission to the point outside of my full-time design job, it was all I was focused on. Feeling stressed and sluggish. I desired something to help clear my mind and get me off the chair and be on my feet, even for just ten minutes. There was running.

Stepping out into the cold December morning at 5 am. I was doing it, I was going to be a Runner.

Then like a thread twisting apart. I felt the sharp pain of shin splints on my right leg. Years ago I had bashed my shin into a metal ledge skateboarding. The scar is still there, however I've never done an activity where I felt its repercussions, until now. But, I was not giving up. Morning after morning was spent doing stretches and exercises to loosen the weak muscle followed by short 1 mile jogs. The more I worked at it the stronger I began feeling.

So, what does this have to do with my journey as an artist and goals? While on my run today the thought struck me "I want this run to be my longest run to date." Now that goal is there but what does it mean if that's the end point? What about all the work I put in to get to that goal? I'm realizing as I turn 39 today that the process is the goal, and that goal never has a finish line. The art I work on I want my process and technique to grow and mature rather than it being about how many works I have produced. Or rather, how many "likes" it gets.

Running is teaching me to not settle for ordinary, or just to get it done. It's about each step that is taken, and making each one worthwhile.

Thank you for reading. Happy new year.

- James