Sunset 2013

This has been a year for trials and travails. It was not about joy but about obligation, commitment and dedication. Thank God that's over!

Now here we are at the very beginning of 2014 and there's a completely clean slate and nothing to stand in the way but lack of ambition and burning desire.

And you can count on me to supply the kick in the can to jump start all of that ambition.

What have you been avoiding?

Why haven't you learned something new.

How many artists have you met, contacted, invited or complimented? If you haven't this is the time. Any artist has something they can teach you and most have so many things there isn't enough year to work them all in. If you start right now before the first tick of the 2014 clock you might just get the drop on'em.

Have you done all that you can do to promote your art? Have you tried to help another artist find a venue for their work? Have you spoken to a gallery owner or a show developer and where is that dynamite new idea for a show that only you have? This is the time.

There is so much work to do and so little time to do it in that any artists not out there this very minute working on getting the ball rolling for 2014 is falling behind.

Me, I'm just glad to be here, nagging, nudging, whining and winging at you. There was a time not all that long ago when  it might not have worked out that way so you can See why I have a sense of urgency.

I want each of you to make a promise right now that in 2014 you will not let others do all of the work. You will get out there and find a way to make art the first, last and most frequent thing people think of when they think of the South Coast.

And while you are doing that you can send me a note about what sort of things the Ole Trawler ought to be writing about. What things I've missed and what things I should spend more time writing about. Introduce yourself and make it clear that any artist wanting a word with you is welcome and would be met more than halfway.

The South Coast Trawler starts  new year tomorrow and with it there will be new adventures for one and all. Come along and join in the fun. And most of all, have a wonderful, bet and brightest New Year and may you and all of yours find health, happiness and a good agent.,