Whenever there is a New Year approaching, it is natural to look ahead with a renewed sense of optimism and hope that the next twelve months will bring solutions, refreshed inspiration and an overall sense of new and better opportunities to come.

So, I’m no different and hoping to find all the signals of a better year to come! Firstly, because Ed is a number’s man, I’ve looked at numerology. (Not that Ed would see much value in this as such but since I do not have mathematical skills, this is the way I can talk numbers with some degree of confidence!)

The universal numerological calculation for 2022 is seen as 2+0+2+2 which equals the year 6 and as such it is seen to be better than 2021 (which was a 5, and signalled a sense of less control and chaos). A year six is therefore one that can tend further towards stability and a sense of harmony through adjustment. Growth can therefore be encouraged with the responsibility it entails. With this thought in mind, it suggests that Willow Fine Arts can and will develop as we intend! Great!

Next, I’m looking at Chinese Astrology. 2022 will be the year of the Tiger, and is therefore already looking positive considering that Ed was born in the year of the Tiger and is compatible with me as a Dragon! This coming year of the Tiger is seen to be a year that is influenced by the water element, a changeable but abundant force and one that could bring a greater sense of prosperity.

Like the Tiger, there is a need to be focused and not to be overcome by doubt as I am prone to do! So, what does this mean I wonder? Regardless of whether I am taking these predictions seriously (I will, after all, forget them), I do have a need to be braver in my convictions and to forget the doubts that plague me. Don’t think, don’t doubt, just do! That should be my motto!

Luckily I do not fear failure so much because failure is after all a necessary teaching aid that encourages improvement but courage is a trait I lack in my artwork. I tend to worry I am not ‘doing it 'right' even though I already know that art is an expression that can’t truly be judged objectively, but it would be wonderful to think that one day I could look at my artwork without wincing at the mistakes I can see!

But I guess only time will tell what this New Year will bring and I intend to share with you as we attempt to develop Willow Fine Arts further. Whatever 2022 brings, it can bring time and the opportunity to use time wisely. There are so many projects I have yet to complete and to try and I will no doubt have the occasional euphoria of success and disheartenment of disappointments but either way, it can be used to full effect! Whatever opportunities you find this year, I hope that you enjoy fulfilling them as I intend to do!