Looking ahead to 2013, many people are picking their words for the year. Marjie Kemper picked FOCUS, Ronda Palazzari picked OUT, Nathalie Kalbach picked WHY. Ali Edwards has a year long workshop around your word. 
I've been thinking about my word for the last two weeks. At first, I thought my word would be "authentic." Find my own true voice as an artist. Work on art and projects that touch me in a deeply authentic way. Though these are goals of mine, the word "authentic" didn't feel encompassing enough, and somehow felt a little narrow.
I rolled the word "specify" around in my mind. One of my goals for 2013 is to be more discerning and specific about where I put my energy. Although following the glittery ball can lead you to wonderful places, there is something to be said for not having too many pans on the fire, and committing in a big way to a few ideas. But something about "specify" also felt narrowing to me.
When I was walking my dog yesterday, thinking about being authentic and specific and discerning, the "right" word finally came to me!
Embrace my authentic voice. Embrace with 100% commitment the projects that feel truly important and authentic to my growth as an artist and person. Embrace whatever I am doing with 100% presence and intention. Embrace my friends and family, recognizing that they are what make my life joyous, rich and rewarding. And embrace our dedication to our work in Guatemala, because it makes everything I do more meaningful.
This is a page in my art journal that began with a watercolor wash of blues and greens. I cut and collaged some of the many gelli plate papers I have made, inspired by Carolyn Dube's gelli plate party. It's still going on, so get out your gelli plate and make some fabulous collage papers for yourself! If you don't have a gelli plate, here's a tutorial from Jennibelle's Studio about how to do similar printing with a craft mat.
Do you have a word for 2013? What is it? I want to know!
Thank you for visiting! I read and treasure every comment and will answer any questions as quickly as I can.
Linking up to Anything But A Card, Make it on Monday, Mandarin Orange Monday, Create With Joy one word blog hop, Art Journal Every Day, and Creative Everyday.
Beautiful page Jessica! Great word choice too! My word for 2013 is "balance."
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful page and post, Jessica. Thank you. I haven't chosen a word yet, either. I've never done that before, but after reading so many blog posts about doing it, and the wonderful words people have chosen, I'm feeling inspired. It's hard to narrow it down to just one word, though. I love that word came to you while out on a walk. That's when a lot of my best ideas come to me!
ReplyDeleteYour art journal page is beautiful- so vibrant and full of energy- just like you! I love your word - am looking forward to seeing where 2013 and your word take you! Fabulous use of your Gelli prints! I think I need ot go and cut up some of my prints!
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh, so much fun and so much beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWarm embrace for you and your page....It is so uplifting, kisses for the pup! xox
ReplyDeletei like all the texture and depth of this! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful art page!!! Thanks for joining us at Anything but a Card!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE this page! Great word...thank for sharing its story.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, love your word, 'embrace' if I hadn't already chosen mine - Focus I might have adopted it!
ReplyDeleteI just came upon your blog and I love it! Your art is so beautiful-full of movement and colour!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely page and a great word for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm really going to miss FFF when it's done. Are you thinking of hosting something similar?
Rinda
Love your story on finding your word. It is tough to pick out one that speaks to you, but I think you found a good one. I also love your gelli page. Very colorful and pretty. I am a sucker for big petal flowers like you made here. Nice to meet you too.
ReplyDeleteLove love love "embrace". I wasn't sure about this whole word thing...I'm a girl of many words...too many probably. BUT, if I had to pick one it would Persevere. I just might blog that now...got to get my words out!!! Gorgeous ART by the way!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Jessica - as always, thank you for inspiring us with your beautiful art!
ReplyDeleteI've included you in our features at this week's special anniversary edition of Inspire Me Monday at
Create With Joy
http://create-with-joy.com
I love your word. Somehow, I don't think you will have a hard time living up to that. Page is so beautiful.. I don't know if I have a word. Right now it's 'enjoyment' of my life, family, art and friends.
ReplyDeleteI love your art journal page and your word. I saw it on the Inspire me Monday link party. I'm so glad you linked up there, because I love art journaling also, and I know I will enjoy your blog this year. Now following you :)
ReplyDeleteRoxana
http://fourelevenrox.blogspot.com/
What a gorgeous page! Love how you used your gelli prints. And your word is fabulous.... a perfect choice!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful page! Just found your blog. My word for 2013 is gratitude.
ReplyDeleteEmbrace was my word for 2012, and brought wonderful challenges and changes to my life. My word for 2013 is respect, a word that I found throught the inner work concerning to embrace. Beautiful page
ReplyDeleteI love your colorful page today, and all the outlining and words. I have been thinking about my word for 2013. I tend to overbook/over schedule myself and get way too serious about all my different projects. I have decided that if I can't get something done in time, I will just let it go. Or if I am tired and it is 1 o'clock in the morning, I will go to bed even if I am not finished. So my word to my self is "RELAX!".
ReplyDeleteEmbrace is a powerful word, especially when it is nested in such beautiful colors and shapes!
ReplyDeleteLove the page and the word. Thanks for sharing your beautiful art. Joining from Inspire Me Monday - http://allthoseartsygirls.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI wasn't going to pick word for the year, but one just kept shouting out in my head... peaceful... so I'm just letting the Universe guide me with it.
ReplyDeleteThank you. You are an inspiration in many ways....and I have to get some of your stencils! I love them :)
Loving those flowers. Great composition!
ReplyDelete;-> Felicia
The Journal Junkie
Blog: http://feliciathejournaljunkie.blogspot.com/