Inspired by the “Art versus Artist” trend, wherein artists create a collage featuring themselves and the art they make, every year since 2021, I’ve challenged myself to reflect on the work I’ve done and what I accomplished every year before the new year comes.
Starting in November or December, I look back at what I made in the last 12 months and begin assembling all the works into one grand showcase. I call this process of summarising my year in art Project Rewind.
The 2024 version (Version 3) showcases over 30 unique works of mine
The first version of Project Rewind I completed only nine works. The second featured 16, nearly double the previous year.
Both Ver 1 and 2 of Project Rewind featured the same version of “me” observing the paintings.
Project Rewind has helped me refine my artistic and design skills as I evaluate which pieces to include and how to arrange them. It has taught me discipline and helped motivate me to create more and better works. And knowing I will want to have art for the next version keeps me accountable to what I committed to the previous year.
The discipline of completing this challenge during the busy holiday season has only held me back once. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 2023 version of Project Rewind was never completed.
Because of the “lost year” I have become even more determined to complete Project Rewind every year in the future.
I’ve gained valuable insights into time management, adaptability, and the importance of resilience during challenging periods because of the lost year. These lessons have strengthened my resolve and sharpened my abilities with even greater focus and determination.