My biggest lessons from 2023
2023 was the year of 'Play', and it completely changed my life
This year, I gave myself the word 'Play' to explore new territory within myself and my work, and the experience was transformative.
After years of feeling creatively disconnected, I found a new rhythm. I moved into a new studio, started journaling every day, spent the summer painting without the pressure of sharing anything, went to Paris on my own to visit an art shop, experimented with new materials, fell in love with boxing, and ultimately found a freedom that I've never experienced before—a freedom deeply connected to letting go of what other people think and leaning into what excites me, both in and out of the studio.
On the plane back from London to Sydney I wrote down the lessons I learnt from a year of ‘Play’ and I found the experience really cathartic. It opened my eyes to the many ways this one word has impacted my life.
If you can, I’d recommend looking back on your year and writing down a few things you learnt. It may even help you pick your word for 2024.
Here’s what I learnt from a year of ‘Play’:
Lean into what excites you. When faced with many choices, it can be easy to become overwhelmed and stick to what is safe or familiar. Instead, use ‘excitement’ as your compass.
Protect your mornings. The quality of your day depends on the quality of your morning, so be intentional with how you start your day and take deliberate steps to protect it. For me, it’s a cup of tea, journaling and sunlight before screen-light.
Creativity comes first. While it may sound obvious, the truth is, many place external validation, achievement, and certainty above creative instinct. Sadly, these priorities can stifle creativity. So, every day, remind yourself, creativity comes first.
Read ‘The Creative Act’ by Rick Rubin. One chapter every morning. And when you’re done, start again.
Make time to play. Block out time in the year to create freely, without expectations or pressure. While it may seem daunting initially, the lasting benefits are so worth it.
Everything is input; so choose wisely. Everything you consume and experience has the power to inspire you and your art—the movies you watch, the podcasts you listen to, the places you travel—so be intentional with how you spend your time.
Drink good Champagne.
Forget the audience. The moment you consider how someone else will perceive the work, you lose touch with your own feelings about it. True greatness in art stems from its authenticity—a genuine expression from within you.
Your values are your compass. Know them. Write them down. Live by them.
Don’t worry about taking a creative leap, just focus on your next creative step.
Turn off all notifications on your phone.
Nothing is wasted. Things that don't ‘work’ aren't failures, they're stepping stones helping you find where you want to go.
Growth is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient.
Surround yourself with greenery.
Saying yes to something means saying no to something else. If you’re on the fence, question how else you could be meaningfully spending your time.
Honour your integrity. You will be tempted to say yes to work opportunities that seem sparkly but never do this at the cost of the art, or your integrity.
Never give away the IP of your work.
Find your uniform. Invest in clothes you feel comfortable and confident in.
Work hard at the things that light you up. Work smart at the things that keep the lights on. Preparation is your key to liberation.
You can go big. Paint big, think big, live big.
Every day do something generous, something creative and something foolish. — Benjamin Graham
Follow ease. When met with resistance, ask yourself: Is this challenging because it naturally is, or am I pushing against something I genuinely don't want to do?
Everything takes at least three times longer than you think it will.
Box every week. Boxing engages your mind and body at the same time. It’s meditative, empowering and fun.
Impose a feedback ban. In the early stages of creative experimentation, avoid the temptation to ask for feedback. It’s like asking for advice on kids' names before you’ve had a chance to really think about them. If you ask too early, and someone says “Oh no, you can’t call her Bambi”, then you might disregard it. When really, Bambi is a great name.
Don’t save your special things for special occasions.
The story you tell yourself shapes your reality. If you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, tell yourself you are excited instead of nervous. The impact is remarkable.
The moment you accept you know nothing, you open yourself up to everything.
Connect with other artists. And swap art with them.
Trust yourself. Learn to listen to your own voice above anyone else's.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, brain dump. Grab a piece of paper and jot down everything, no matter how trivial ('write newsletter, buy toothpaste'...). The act of putting it all on paper helps clear the mental clutter, allowing you to prioritise what's urgent and important.
Prioritise your health. Carve out time each week to care for your well-being—move your body, clear your mind. Whether it's walks in the park, acupuncture, stretching, or sauna, prioritise activities that nurture your physical and mental health. No matter how hectic life gets, a strong mind and body are essential for creating meaningful art.
Mani/ pedi, no polish. Practical and chic.
Your body works for you not against you. Listen to it.
Watch the sunrise every now and then. It will ground you and take your breath away.
Spend a week offline. On a remote beach with no phone, nothing to do and nowhere to be.
Make it great and move on. Once you’ve made the artwork the best it can be, put it out into the world, and move onto your next creative project.
If you love someone’s work, let them know.
Every night before you turn the lights off, say three things you are grateful for.
Pursuing something new can be scary, but remember, growth exists in the unknown. With every piece you create, you will learn more about yourself. Keep going.
I’ll be back soon with why I picked ‘ease’ as my word for 2024. In the meantime, I’d love to know: what’s your word for 2024?
Lots of love,
Jess x