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It’s 2018! I can’t believe it’s already the second week into the new year. This year I am really looking forward to getting my life in order and to really start to organize some sort of routine. Since moving and starting a new job last year I have put a lot of personal projects on the back burner as well as my research. One of the biggest goals of this year is to work on my photography and videography. Therefore, one bigger project this year is to develop a music video for one of my compositions. I am also traveling again, which is extremely therapeutic for me, not to mention a source of huge inspiration. Therefore, I also have at least one trip planned through August and possibly September – which is a mix of PR and personal travel.

 

 

I am also hoping to get back into research writing, and hope to publish at least one article a month on this site and to get back into that way of thinking. Additionally, I also hope to work a practice schedule into everything. I have already started to do this once I moved, since my studio room is still not in order music is one of the few things I can still practice. And finally to get my studio room in order! I’ve started picking out furniture and forming some sort of budget. I hope it will become a small, but mighty room that encompasses everything I do; musical recording, graphic design/photography/videography, and basic laboratory equipment for furthering research. Because of the multifunctional aspect, it’s one of the reasons why I haven’t yet done much to that room as I wanted to really think about how to make the most of the space.

 

 

I haven’t really talked about this because it’s still up in the air as I’m waiting on additional information, but I have the week long Microscopy intensive course at MDI Laboratory in May 2018 as well as the project with the Smithsonian to work on. The SERC project has been put on the back burner at bit after the fail of a fundraiser I had last September. I am regrouping and trying to figure out to cut costs down and to possibly see how I can still make use of the experience but possibly using my studio room and doing the work there, rather than on site, and just travel to Maryland for consultations and other discussions. This is tricky because due to grant restrictions my research has certain fundamental points that I have to stick to, so it can be considered for funding in the future. Additionally, I have been asked to be the publicity chair for the Pioneer Valley Mycological Association and through this group to not only expand my knowledge of mycology but to build a better understanding of scientific and research-based thinking and projects. This group focuses on the citizen science aspect of mycology research.

 

 

As mentioned, for my musical practice, I am also looking around for some sort of musical group to join. Since I haven’t had much practice after graduating college, I don’t feel comfortable enough to join a group just yet, this is why I am going to focus on building up my skills again this coming year and the towards the end of 2018 really start to look for some sort of group. Additionally, I am hoping to exhibit my artwork more in western Mass. I plan to get connected with the Vermont Center for Photography more and plan on submitting a proposal, as well as updating my application materials so I can start to submit them to local galleries. I have missed exhibiting and going to receptions as that is one of the many ways I connect to the greater community not only to establish connections but to learn from others.

 

 

I am also launching an ecommerce store that is essentially an extension of this site. I hope that it will become a place where I can sell artwork and other creative pieces. I have partnered with Copycat Printing in Northampton as a vendor for the printed products of the shop. I have been working with them on and off this past year through my client projects. I am also working with a few other on-demand printing shops such as Gooten for more unique items. I am quite excited about this venture as I think it would create a nice element to my artistic practice.

 

 

Before all of this happens however, there are a few stressors in my life at the time of writing this that I have to resolve that are also financially restricting me. This, I hope to resolve by March/April in 2018. However, before then, I am working on organization and regrouping aspects of my life so when that time comes, I have a better handle of everything. Most people uproot their lives to move across state and/or start a new job; however this has been one of the most difficult transitions for me for many reasons because it seems that I have halted my life. I have cut back on things and reworked things for this new element in my life. I am very happy otherwise to be in western Mass. I have the space that I have been lacking as well as a job that keeps me entertained and look forward to what 2018 brings me.

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