So – I’ve been taking stock of my life recently – specifically my “art life”. I’ve accomplished a lot of things this year, including- sold my art!! (this is huge for me), 2 shows, several art fairs, joined a fabulous group of artists – the Duke City Renegades, started another group – the Rio Grande Artisans with several of my artista friends and had success with both – as a group and individually, spread the word about mixed media art and ATCs through workshops and events from Santa Fe to Magdalena, furthered my skills as a photographer in many ways, and finally started working with encaustics. So what do I want to do with these new skills and experiences? Well – here’s the plan:

Focus on two mediums:
photography and encaustics (and the mixing of the two)

Focus on a specific series:
take my glass negative images and continue reworking them in encaustics,
I have 4 pieces so far

Get my work into a local gallery

Continue with both groups and participate in group shows at the Factory on Fifth

Get my etsy shop in working order – (it’s exists – but needs some TLC before I broadcast it to the world)

Work very targeted and well-researched shows starting next summer

Use this winter and spring to focus on art instead of “production”

Working full-time has put a serious dent in my art time – it’s definitely time to get serious and focus. In 2006 I played with a different media or technique every month as part of the “Las Semanas” group. That was a really good thing for me at that time and I learned a lot. This year my photography and encaustics have really become my joy. I’m still going to continue with my ATCs and explore mixed media that way – but no more acrylics or assemblage/collage stuff for the time being.

FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS!!!

So, the lovely Leighanna tagged me a while back and I finally have the time to sit down and think about this meme. So here goes:

8 Passions in my life:
art
my babies
my boo
my friends
my job
Photoshop
New Mexico
art (again because I can’t say it enough)

8 Things to do before I die:
go to Europe
see the pyramids
have a solo gallery show
own my own house
be able to break free of the 9 to 5 job thing

8 things I often say:
Dude!
cool!
seriously (I blame Grey’s Anatomy)
whatever
fabulous
boo (as in “Hey Boo – how are you?)
sweet
Thank you for calling Fastsigns on the Two, this is Raine, how may I help you?

8 books I’ve read recently:
(disclaimer – I hardly ever read books these days – not enough hours in the day)

Secrets of Rusty Things
a million and one kids books – each read a billion times over

8 Songs that mean something to me:

In Your Room – Depeche Mode
The Day Brings – Brad
New York – U2
One – U2
We’re in this Together – NIN
Untouchable Face – Ani Di Franco
Flinch – Alanis Morrisette
Sweetest Perfection – Depeche Mode

8 Qualities I look for in a friend:

silliness
loyalty
passion
honesty
– I think that covers it

8 people I will pass this on to:

Leau
Raesha
Regina
Judith
Bridgette
Laurie