2020: A new beginning

Here we are again with a new year, but this is a new decade, and it’s 2020!!

In the autumn of 2018, on my way to Arizona for three fall shows, I ran into trouble with my car. I spoke about this in an earlier blog post, but what these setbacks did was push me to change my direction. I put my jewelry business to the side, almost, and took a full-time job outside of my home.

I worked at Boeing from March 18, 2019 - January 4, 2020. This was a rewarding experience, it was extremely hard work. I relearned how to work for a company again. The discipline, the early mornings, the long days, the walking of 5-6 miles a day at the Delivery Center was almost like boot camp. I knew this job was temporary, but I had no idea how long I would work there.

Late in August, my Dad had a stroke. A few weeks later, he had passed. My life turned upside down and I had this ‘regular’ job to keep myself focused and working.

At the end of 2019, I realized that this was the time to move out of this job and return full-time to my passion and my true calling, working for myself, creating beautiful jewelry and going to art shows again.

Last year, I did have about 5-6 shows, but my schedule was nothing like it was in previous years with over 20 shows.

Now, I am looking forward to driving to the Southwest again. My annual journey, which I began in 2012, with a few interruptions. My first show will be in Southern Arizona, in Tubac. The beautiful and quaint village where time has stood still.

I am in the process of building more inventory and getting excited about the year to come.

Four shows are scheduled for 2020 so far, with all four in Arizona. Tubac, Fountain Hills, Scottsdale and finally, at the end of March, the Tempe Arts Festival.

As I find out which shows I have been accepted into, I will update my show schedule.

I will continue to make new and exciting pieces and be joyful that I have finally returned to my true calling of being a full-time artist.

Susie Larsson

January 17, 2020