Being part of the so-called “art world” we are practically born allergic to being normal.
Art Stuff07 Jan 2022
Repeat after me: I will not make any more boring New Year’s resolutions. According to Statista, most people’s resolutions as they head into the new year are pretty generic—eating healthier, getting more exercise and saving money are tied for most popular. Looks like Equinox and Sakara Life will be raking in the new subscriptions in a few days. This could be you, but you go to the gym exactly twice a year and when you do, you definitely don’t wear all your makeup at once.
If this list looks a lot like the January 1 entry of your diary, no shade—these are all super virtuous goals, especially if you actually keep them. But if you’re reading this article, chances are you’re part of the so-called “art world” and therefore were practically born allergic to being like everybody else. If this sounds like you, read on; we’re spilling not one but 10 (!) of our artiest New Year’s resolutions to inspire you as you make your 2021 vision boards, do your 2021 manifestation exercises, invoke your 2019 guardian spirits or make your 2021 starter pack memes. Whatever floats your yacht! (See what I did there? I’m manifesting $$$ in 2021…)
1) I will not make any more boring art (or write anything boring about said art). There are no “small” projects, so I will open the faucet of my creative juices for every single thing that I work on in 2019, and if a project doesn’t feel like it deserves 100% of my creative energy, it’s a no.
John Baldessari, I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art (1971).
2) I will view, learn about and support more work by women artists, artists of color, non-Western and indigenous artists and others traditionally excluded from the official art history canon. Ancient art from Teotihuacan, Mexico, from Teotihuacan: City of Water, City of Fire at the Phoenix Art Museum, closing 27 January.
3) I will do my part to support the work of up-and-coming artists, especially in my community but also around the world. Exposure is great, but sweet, sweet cash money is better; I will support artists financially however I can, whether it means buying their work or buying my artist friend a latte.
4) I will create as freely as I can, whether I am an artist or work in the art world, without letting self-doubt and self-criticism block my flow.
5) I will spend more on art and less on shoes. Unless said shoes are Manolo Blahniks, in which case, they totally count as art.
6) I will travel to at least one new arty city this year.
7) I will make time to check out more museum and gallery exhibits, even if it means I can’t start five Netflix shows the same week. Sacrifices must be made.
8) I will nourish myself daily with art, music and culture, even if it’s something as simple as actually looking at the artwork on my IG feed instead of double-tapping automatically and continuing to scroll.
9) I will make time for rest and self-care to keep myself sane, balanced, productive and creative. Plus, contrary to what heroin chic led me to believe ages 16-20, no one looks good with eye bags. Even if they’re Chanel. You in 2020 vs. you in 2021.
10) I will use social media deliberately and constructively to discover new artists and events without triggering a quarter-life crisis.
Obviously, how deep you can dive into the infinity scroll vortex without accidentally leaving your soul down there depends on the person, but a good rule of thumb when it comes to screen time is “less is more.” When in doubt, put the phone down.
Need something a bit more specific? When you feel your eyes burning, you’re pretty sure your circulation stopped thirty minutes ago from the weird angle of your neck and you realize you’ve totally disassociated from the physical world, asking people to repeat themselves ten times and saying things like “what ambulance?”… put the screen away. Breathe. Keep breathing. Don’t stop. That’s really all there is to it!
Text by Katya Lopatko Images via MOCA, Phoenix – Carpe Diem, Footwear News, Fashion History, @creatingsyd
