MIA - Playing Catch Up, Different Directions and Where to Now?

Instead of abandoning this blog completely I thought I would start it up again.  So where have you been? Why did you stop posting? (Not that I was ever that consistent.)

Let's start in 2016.  I got a new job, day job, pay most of the bills variety. This is just the be a responsible adult variety position, nothing I feel passionate about, but I do like to have a roof over my head and food to eat, so I am thankful for that.  I also got a part time job as a group instructor at a chain boxing gym, where I worked for four years until the great pandemic hit.  The club closed down temporarily and reopened in June, but has now closed its doors due to lack of profit. There have been pandemic changes at my day job as well, most employees are now working from home.  I work from home two days a week and come into the office three days a week.  As one of the support staff I am responsible for getting hard copies out to clients for my own projects and for those not coming into the office.  (Not thrilled about that.)  I also joined a BJJ/MMA gym during that time and participated in a little smoker (unsanctioned, rather informal fight).  I have since decided to stop training as it is not something I am looking to pursue any longer.  In 2018 I obtained my personal trainer certificate, as I wanted to be a more knowledgeable and creditable trainer at the club I worked at.   So, not much completed on the art front.

The pandemic has hit everyone a little differently, some very hard both financially and mentally.   Many of us are left social distancing with close family members or our pets, without the uplifting smiles of friends or family.  Those of us antisocial, social anxiety riddled hermits didn't see much of either before the pandemic hit but still are having difficulty in the lack of option to socialize if we need it.  If you are feeling like you need an ear, feel free to email me.  If nothing else, I can provide an ear to listen. 

This year I have produced a bit of artwork here and there.. some experiments in my sketchbook with mixed media (ink, gouache and gold leaf).  I am doing my best to post those images to my Instagram account.  https://www.instagram.com/jenifertrottier/  I also hopped on the TikTok train and hope to post more art there as well.. hopefully once I reach the minimum followers I can go live and do some live artwork/sketches and have discussions there as well. I would love more ways to reach the art community.  

I hope to come up with some t-shirt designs and product designs for next year, perhaps through TeePublic or Society6.  Thoughts? Ideas?

What have you been up to? What are your goals and how have they shifted because of the new environment the pandemic has made us adjust to?  How can we make something positive from this situation?  Let's get creative and blaze a new tomorrow.

Much love,

Jen T.