The beginning of a new year is an apt time to talk about our personal evolutions. New years typically ask us to look forward. Who do we want to be next? Where are we heading in the year ahead?
It’s difficult to answer these questions for a number of reasons. Most notably because the pandemic makes it harder for us to plan and dream. It has also made us burnt out and jaded — do we have to put more expectations on ourselves at this point?
Over the break, I took less time reflecting on where I am going, and more time looking back at where I had travelled from. A lot of quiet time can really get you thinking about Big Life Questions. The days were shorter, and with less planned it felt easier than usual to trip into mindless scrolling online. One of the places I ended up was my old Pinterest account.
I haven’t updated boards in 6 or sometimes 9 years. It was a strange experience. It felt a little like opening a vault to a warped hall of mirrors where outdated versions of myself in misshapen sizes and warped bodies looked back at me.
Some of the boards I had created felt detached from who I am today, in 2022. Like the whole board, I dedicated to decorative photographs of teapots?! Others felt like me with a little more youthful optimism.
The experience made me think of one of my favourite books, Questions of Travel by Michelle de Krester. In it, a main protagonist, Ravi, frequently spent his free time scrolling through online graveyards of abandoned websites and empty pages. De Krester describes his explorations as though he is a digital archaeologist, brushing and extracting HTML bones from abandoned online wastelands. I thought about Ravi a lot while scrolling through digital spaces I no longer occupied.
It seemed fortuitous that I stumbled across past versions of myself on the cusp of a new year. To carry me into 2022 I have decided to refer back to outdated Pinterest boards that connect me with who I once was, more frequently than focussing on the next metamorphosis. I figure that if I can take the time to celebrate growth without the pressure of controlling what comes next, perhaps there can be more joy to be found in the process. The process being, well — life. Is this what pop-psychology means when they talk about being your ‘whole authentic self’?!
My whole and authentic self is pleased to say that in 2022, Sprout has exciting items in the pipeline to inspire you in living an engaged and meaningful life. Watch this space for more info soon 📣
If you are interested in joining Sell Your Writing, there is still time to enrol 💡A bonus letter will land this week full of FAQs and a promo code for last-minute enrolments. 💌
A little update on where you can find me in January 👩🏻💻
I am starting 2022 with another session at Node Centre for Curatorial Studies teaching Curating and Managing Art Collections.
Based on my experience as a curator in the arts industry, I designed this 5-week course to offer arts workers and curators a comprehensive set of skills to use in curating, managing and developing art collections.
Expect to learn new approaches to curating collections and best practices for managing collection development and archival processes. Using real-world case studies we interpret fresh perspectives on operating, conserving, and mediating art collections of all shapes and sizes.
Node Centre for Curatorial Studies invites students from all across the globe to meet and learn online. One of my favourite parts of delivering this course is meeting new students, hearing their experiences, and coming together as arts professionals to share industry knowledge.
Collaborative discussions are at the heart of the work I do as a course lecturer and designer. 💬 💭 Expect your curatorial practice to be rejuvenated by this course through learning and networking.
Read more and enrol here.
Course commences 18 January 2022.
Hear what past participants have said:
"The instructor, the content is great and comprehensive but the instructor really makes the class engaging and allows open dialogue."
"The teacher’s encouragement to think creatively and out-of-the-box was essential to the success of the course."
Sell Your Writing — there is still time to enrol!
I designed this course based on my experience as a freelance writer and journalist. Expect to learn what makes an excellent piece of writing, how to approach editors, how to research audience profiles and how to make your words stand out in a way that gets you paid.
This course is a blend of online modules and real-time collaborative workshops and events so you can construct learning around your schedule. Make time to write, hear feedback on your work, and be inspired by guests to keep you motivated on your writing journey. 💪🏽
Sell Your Writing is priced as affordably as possible at only £15 per week. Plus, payment plans are available so you can pay as you learn 💸
Read the full curriculum and enrol here.
Course modules open on 23 January 2022.
The first workshop takes place on 26 January 2022.
Hear what past participants have said:
"I came into this course a little jaded by online workshops, post-pandemic, but was positively surprised by the many practical exercises...I had the feeling Claire enjoyed teaching the course and was genuinely interested and supportive of our writing while still providing valuable feedback..."
"If you are feeling stuck with writing, or you don't know how to find inspiration to get yourself started - sign up to this course. Claire's relaxed and friendly approach really helps break down barriers to an otherwise intimidating concept. Loved it."
Thanks for reading!
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