2022 Year in Review
Something I love about this time of year is that it brings pause to reflect on where I’ve been.
This year was a significant one, marked by change and growth. Essentially this year happened in two parts for me. The first half I was in my last months working for Miller Gallery as they pivoted to their new business model. The second half of the year, I stepped into working for myself full time.
Because of this change, this year I didn’t experience the “holiday madness” I’ve been used to working the past ten years in retail settings. It has felt very strange, but at the same time knowing I am living as authentically as I can, I feel at peace. I am choosing this time (the holidays) to sit in the calm. I am enjoying the sparkle of the tree, cuddles from my kittens, and the aromas of baked cookies floating through my kitchen.
Elizabeth Olwen states, “And we must be grateful for the things that bring beauty and light to this life. Taking joy amongst the chaos is a beautiful, subversive, and essential act. “ I am here today to reflect on what brought me joy this year, and possibly encourage you to do the same.
January
The year began with my first residential mural out at Folly Beach for an airbnb. I painted illustrations on the notorious Girl Nextdough food truck. I started taking ballroom dance lessons with my boyfriend. But the highlight was getting my first kitten Murf from Pethelpers for my birthday.
February
There was lots of painting in my studio this month. I created a works on paper floral release for the Art & Light Gallery in time for Valentine’s day. I also had two commissions through Miller Gallery, one private and one for interior designer Megan Gorelick.
March
The month kicked off celebrating the 2022 Wine + Food festival with loved ones. Then Julia Deckman Studio held a fundraiser “Paint vs. Putin” to raise funds and awareness for the war in the Ukraine. At the end of the month, I began working with Stitch Design Co. on signage for new restaurant Rancho Lewis.
April
I began to install the first exterior mural + interior signage at Rancho Lewis. I was there a good chunk of the month, while still working part time. A highlight was that I was featured in South Carolina Voyager, an online publication.
May
I created new signage for The Press in downtown Charleston. The exciting moment of this month was that I launched my first fabric design thanks to the help of Teresa Roche. I also had a photoshoot with the talented Kate Blohm to market my new collection Small Delicacies.
June
Small Delicacies exhibit opening with Teresa Roche kicked off the month of June. After that, the rest of the month was wild. I installed a mural a week! One at Rancho Lewis, one at The Tippling House, and one at Bee’s Ferry Library in West Ashley. I was also featured in ShoutoutATL.
July
After a quick trip north for our annual beach vacation, I designed three custom postcards for The Tippling House. Then I had two live painting sessions out at The Gallery at Sweetgrass.
August
I became a full time artist! Enjoyed lots of sunsets at Folly Beach, I swear this summer had some of the best I’ve seen. We also got our second kitten, Otis <3.
September
Installed hand-painted wallpaper for the new Miller Gallery headquarters bathroom. Began to design my ideal work days, centered around a daily writing practice and morning walk. I also had my vintage matchbook release with Miller Gallery - only one left!
October
Throughout the month I created new work for all three galleries I am represented by. I was part of a live painting happy hour with The Gallery at Sweetgrass out at Wild Dunes Resort. I was also featured in a new publication, CanvasRebel.
November
Finally had my ornament release with Miller Gallery. It was my first sold out release!! Please let me know if you missed out this year so I can plan for how many to make next year…
December
Easily one of my favorite projects to date. I designed and installed a custom mural over at the new office space for Matchstick Social.
Looking forward to more projects like this one in the new year. Contact info@rachaelnerney.com if this is something you are interested in!
The Big Picture
My most joyful moments of this year were when I was painting a mural or spending time with loved ones. My favorite small pleasures were cooking delicious foods, reading, and lots of time writing. One word for how I want to feel in 2023 is confident as I grow and expand my art business.
So how about you?
What were some of the most joyful moments of your year?
What small pleasures brought you joy this year?
What word would you choose for how you want to feel in 2023?
* Big props to Elizabeth Olwen for her Joy Reflection love e-newsletter that prompted a lot of these thoughts and reflections. I highly recommend subscribing!