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| in the studio . 2019 (photo by john marshland. courtesy of tashkeel) |
so here we are – another year comes to a close. what felt like a really long year is suddenly over, and what a ride 2019 has been. it was a great year in terms of career development – i was able to sort out a studio space at the beginning of the year, co-sharing with mobius design studio at tashkeel, i worked on a couple of new textile projects, lots of freelance gigs, pushing my publication practise, and teaching tons of workshops throughout 2019. i'm truly blessed with what a successful year it has been, and i hope to continue riding this wave into 2020.
with that being said, 2019 was quite exhausting on so many levels. besides working hard, it was really difficult dealing with the cultural scene here and the people involved. as the year progressed, i began feeling very disconnected to an industry that i've worked so hard to be a part of. after graduating from risd last year, i made the conscious decision to move back home and pick up where i left off, because home is where i wanted to be. but what i didn't anticipate was a decline of professionalism and respect by certain clients and industry peers. frankly speaking, it felt like everywhere i turned, i've been disappointed and left uninspired. i didn't feel like making work, or engage with the creative community and the city's cultural events/activities. things have been poorly organised, praised for being successful yet not acknowledging the poor content being presented, and catered to the 'fake it till you make it' crowd (i like to call these people hacks!). i feel 2019 made it normal to support mediocrity, and flaunt it on social media (please don't get me started on how much i dislike the socials!). how did we get here? what went wrong people?! i hope i'm not alone with sharing these sentiments, and i hope whoever's reading this feels the same way. don't get me wrong, i must've slipped on certain occasions with work and deadlines, or dealings with people. but i'd like to think i am conscious of it, and try to be better so it doesn't happen again. i don't think i alone have a solution to these problems, but i think voicing that problems exist is a start. i hope there's more people in the new year who speak up, and contribute to building a better art/design community that's inclusive and inspiring, not dependent on dollar signs (or in this case dirhams), crowds, or hashtags. i hope the right people come together and navigate within the right channels to collectively make change.
and with the frustrations from what's mentioned above comes exhaustion. and with exhaustion comes a lack of self care. 2019 was the year i unfortunately really let things get out of control – i've kept empty promises and lacked any drive or discipline to clean out my living space or to exercise. the latter, i am constantly reminded of by others who feel the need to comment on my weight *insert eye roll*. i really didn't want to be in this place by the end of 2019, yet here i am. maybe this post is a result of 'end of year blues', and i need to start fresh for the new year. i don't know what 2020 has to offer, but i'd like to think that i'll be in a better place mentally, physically and emotionally.
and with work – i hope i'll be able to filter out all the noise by unnecessary people and spaces, to keep doing my thing, work on the right projects with the right people (and there are a handful of good people here), and to keep on improving. i always tell myself (and others) to keep doing what one does best, not to follow trends (like many people in this town), and the work will speak for itself. everyone has different definitions of success, and i believe even if the rewards aren't immediate, they will come. to still be around and be doing what i love to do must count for something, and i am proud to have come this far. i couldn't have done it without the support of family, loved ones, clients and industry peers that matter. so thank you to those who have made my year a fruitful experience, and i hope we continue this journey together...
and with the frustrations from what's mentioned above comes exhaustion. and with exhaustion comes a lack of self care. 2019 was the year i unfortunately really let things get out of control – i've kept empty promises and lacked any drive or discipline to clean out my living space or to exercise. the latter, i am constantly reminded of by others who feel the need to comment on my weight *insert eye roll*. i really didn't want to be in this place by the end of 2019, yet here i am. maybe this post is a result of 'end of year blues', and i need to start fresh for the new year. i don't know what 2020 has to offer, but i'd like to think that i'll be in a better place mentally, physically and emotionally.
and with work – i hope i'll be able to filter out all the noise by unnecessary people and spaces, to keep doing my thing, work on the right projects with the right people (and there are a handful of good people here), and to keep on improving. i always tell myself (and others) to keep doing what one does best, not to follow trends (like many people in this town), and the work will speak for itself. everyone has different definitions of success, and i believe even if the rewards aren't immediate, they will come. to still be around and be doing what i love to do must count for something, and i am proud to have come this far. i couldn't have done it without the support of family, loved ones, clients and industry peers that matter. so thank you to those who have made my year a fruitful experience, and i hope we continue this journey together...
thank you 2019 for all your ups and downs, but i think it's time to say good bye. i hope 2020 will be good to us all – wishing all the krossbreed lovers a good time, love and smiles, dancing and creativity!
season's greetings and a happy new year to everyone. see you on the other side...
season's greetings and a happy new year to everyone. see you on the other side...