For those of you who don't know me, I'm a quirky, conceptual, mixed media Artist from England and have great taste in shoes!

This year has taken me on such a whirlwind of a journey and it is fair to say that ‘we’re not in Kansas anymore’. I followed the metaphorical yellow brick road with actual ruby slippers in 'toe' and met some fabulous characters along the way. I've exhibited at an international Art Fair, participated in an Abstract show at Londons’ Brick Lane Gallery, been a Featured Artist in Suffolk Open Studios (I didn’t have a studio) and have taken a celebrity (model) whale on an artistic photographic adventure that may have involved public crucifixion...of said whale.

(Jane Stewart’s Whale @jeffthehumpback)

I have learnt so much about making my dreams a reality. My dreams are not to be rich and famous (although a substantial shoe fund would be nice). This year has shown me that following your dreams is actually about daring greatly at the risk of failure. Trying when you do not know the outcome but living life fully; with no regrets. Brene Brown has written some excellent books on the subject. She highlights Theodore Roosevelt’s speech, ‘Citizenship in the Republic’, also referred to as ‘The Man in the Arena’, April 23rd 1910.

‘It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails whilst daring greatly, so his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.’ Theodore Roosevelt.

I am daring greatly, i am failing forward and achieving great things along the way. Never measure an Artist by how many paintings they sold this week. Look to the depth of their character and the fullness of their life (I will permit admiration of excellent shoe choice, however). I am now picturing the man in the arena in gold Cinderella shoes...Why the hell not?!! If you would like to follow my creative journey please check out my website.

Hannah Aria- First of her name.

50% Comedian 50% Philosopher 0% Conformist.