Do you want to create more art but wonder how you’re going to fit it in around all of life’s commitments? I get it, it’s a constant juggle to balance all the things that need done with something that is on your heart.

You set off with great intentions but commitments stack up and the paints or tools stay in their box and we work toward something else that needs our attention. We work for the boss, the house, family and others, forgetting to give those precious moments to ourselves and the heart slowly gets pushed further into the sidelines.

One method to bring the hearty tasks back to the centre is to find an accountability partner.

Time can be your partner, set aside space in the diary for you, a solid time each day or week to develop your art. Or for added structure, sign up to a class at your local arts or community centre because classes aren’t solely about learning ‘how to make x, y or z,’ they are a way of dedicating a specific time to yourself, for self-care, discovery and pursuing an intrinsic (and valid) need to create.    

But there’s an extra layer - classes provide accountability.  That this space is not just about ‘me’, but something bigger. It’s about the classroom, stretching ourselves, camaraderie, support and betterment. It’s about our peers, that we show up, not just for ourselves but for our classmates because we’ve made a pact. A pact that Yes, this is important and we’re in it together.

That even though we may be willing to push aside our own heart, we won’t sideline our partner’s.

This year I’m also making a pact and enrolling with you, just as you have with me for being here, because in 2019 I’m working towards a solo show, ‘Balancing Act’ in October 2019.

Each month I’ll share a roundup of balancing that intrinsic need for making, with all the external needs, providing an honest look into balancing life, business and commitments with pursuing something that’s on the heart.

I would so love for you to join me…if you feel that you’re never giving yourself time to pursue a need for creativity, that it’s pushed aside from one week/month to the next and you’re constantly questioning why, I’d love to be your accountability partner.

You can make yourself accountable by joining a class (any class – check your local art centre to see what’s there, have a nosey at courses I’m running) or by replying to these entries with what you’ve been up to each month. Tell me how you’ve created space and what you’ve made or are struggling with in our monthly check in  - I will be there to reply and offer advice and support.

I’ll be checking in the first Monday of the month with a round up of what’s gone on in the studio and how I’ve balanced this month’s commitments and creativity with tips to help you make time for yours.

I hope you’re excited by the 2019 we’re going to create together.

If you’d like some extra accountability and support, you can sign up to my mailing list, a twice monthly email of encouragement, strategies to make time for your creativity, plus tips to develop your art.

And if you’re local, check out this term’s in person classes, the best space to work with me surrounded by like-minded creatives who will encourage you to be your best.