As the vibrant hues of autumn arrive and the leaves gracefully fall, there's a shift in the air. The nights grow longer, and nature begins it's gentle preparation for winter's rest. For many, including myself, this season symbolises a time to slow down, reflect on the past year, and set intentions for the year ahead. Yet, it wasn’t always this way for me - far from it.
In the past, autumn brought a whirlwind of activity as I operated my gallery, workshop, and retail outlet in Hertfordshire. Those months were some of my happiest yet busiest, filled with the hustle and bustle that left little room for rest. I worked tirelessly, often clocking in seven days a week and putting in long hours from early October until December's end. The excitement of the Christmas holidays was overshadowed by sheer exhaustion. After 12 years of this cycle, coupled with juggling the demands of family life, I found myself on the brink of burnout.
Now, as I cozy up by the fire here in Devon, darkness envelops the evenings and the air is crisp. I feel incredibly grateful for the stillness that this quiet season brings. It's a stark contrast to those previous years of frenetic activity. Here, with no streetlights to break the tranquil darkness, I have the opportunity to pause and reflect. As a self employed creative, this time of contemplation is crucial; it allows me to envision how I want my business to evolve in the coming year.
Exciting changes are on the horizon for 2025! I’m thrilled to announce a shift towards even more nature-inspired work and fresh explorations of my artistic palette. The beauty of Devon's landscapes will undoubtedly influence my creations, and I feel a deep calling to immerse myself more in the natural world around me.
One of the most significant realisations during this time, has been just how much I miss my workshops, the art community that was forged from them. Teaching, sharing knowledge, and guiding others through the restoration that comes from creating art brings me immense joy. Therefore I'm revisiting this passion in 2025. Many beautiful workshops are in the making, and the emphasis will be on delivering enriching experiences here in my Devon studio.
So I am thrilled to announce the biggest sale I’ve ever held. As I simplify my online shop and shift away from retail in 2025, my attention will turn towards creating memorable workshops and art escapes. I want to invite you to join me in my studio, whether for a single morning or a more immersive stay - where you can learn new skills, engage in the mindful process of creating artwork, and leave feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
As we embrace the slower rhythms of the darker season, I encourage you to carve out space for yourself amidst the busyness of life. Even if your schedule is demanding, it's essential to find moments of tranquility and reflection. There’s magic in slowing down, and it’s during these moments that we can truly reconnect with our passions and intentions.
So, as you enjoy the comforting embrace of autumn, remember it’s okay to slow down and reflect, allow autumn to inspire your journey ahead. Here’s to restorative evenings by the fire 🥰
Happy Autumn 🍂
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