A Reflective Celebration of My Favorite Artistic and Cultural Moments
Introduction: The Year in Art
As 2024 draws to a close, I celebrate the art that has not just inspired, but transformed me, connecting me to a deeper understanding of myself as an artist. These moments resonated with my mission to foster creativity, inclusivity, and mindfulness. From avant-garde theater to evocative poetry and groundbreaking television, these favorites are my highlights of a year prosperous with artistic brilliance.
Note: These are works of art I had the pleasure of experiencing in 2024, though their origins may lie in years past—a testament to the enduring brilliance of creativity.
Theatre: Staging Brilliance
This year, theater brought not just transformative storytelling and fearless performances, but also a deep emotional connection. The Moors at Seattle Public Theater explored gothic tension with wit and boldness, while Susanna Burney’s Escape/Hatch at Seattle’s 18th & Union embraced the courage of solo experimental work.
Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play. (HULU) disrupted norms and pushed boundaries, offering an unflinching look at race, relationships, and societal dynamics. These productions reminded me of the visceral power of live performance to awaken, challenge, and empower.
Film: Moving Images of 2024
This year, films were portals to reflection, humor, and provocation. Zone of Interest and Anatomy of a Fall explored the unsettling intricacies of the human relationship to power. Dream Scenario and Mr. Turner balanced poignant humor with emotional depth. The Eternal Daughter haunted with its spectral nostalgia, while Pacification tackled themes of power and morality. The Teacher’s Lounge and The Substance offered sharp critiques of ambition and ethics, each with riveting storytelling. Past Lives wove a tender meditation on love, fate, and connection, while Showing Up brought a beautifully understated exploration of creativity and daily life. These films enriched my creative perspective with their originality and audacity.
Television: Stories That Resonated
Television in 2024 was a masterclass in storytelling. The final seasons of Succession and What We Do In The Shadows delivered unforgettable closures and shows like Ripley, The Sympathizer, and The Regime revealed layers of human ambition and cultural tensions. The new Time Bandits series brought audacious creativity, while Stath Lets Flats and Kevin Can Fuck Himself delivered comedy with sharp commentary. The touching authenticity of All Creatures Great and Small and the gripping narratives of Capote’s Swans, and Until I Kill You ensured TV remained a vital artistic medium for me this year.
Fiction: Stories That Stayed
Books were my constant companions, transforming my understanding of the world. Ha Jin's The Woman Back from Moscow revealed resilience and beauty in unexpected places, emphasizing life in the theatre under political repression, while Octavia Butler's Fledgling offered a profound exploration of autonomy and identity. Miranda July's All Fours inspired boldness in creative expression and discussed menopause in its most accurate, maddening form. Trollope's Eustace Diamonds highlighted the enduring charm of classic storytelling. These novels deepened my understanding of connection, reflection, and the power of narrative. Mark Frost's Secret History of Twin Peaks reminded me of storytelling's ability to weave layered, mysterious worlds and fill the gaps of one of television's most vital experiments. These works sparked curiosity and aligned with my commitment to mindfulness and growth.
Non-Fiction: Illuminating Reads
This year's nonfiction was an education in empathy and radical thought. Kamala Harris’s biography, The Truths We Hold, explored empowerment through justice and highlighted her indefatigable desire to serve, while Roger Lewis’ Erotic Vagrancy celebrated the beauty of unconventional thinking about stardom.
Poetry: Words That Sang
Poetry remained a spiritual companion this year. Carol Ann Duffy, Sujata Bhatt, and Alice Oswald crafted words that echoed my values of courage and mindfulness. Their verses reminded me of the elegance in simplicity and the transformative power of language, grounding me while challenging me to see the world through fresh perspectives.
Podcasts: Companion Voices
This year’s podcasts blended insight and inspiration. Backlisted Podcast continues to reignite my love for forgotten literary treasures, while Uncanny Podcast combines suspense and cultural commentary. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Wiser Than Me, particularly her conversation with Patti Smith, felt transformative and affirming. The Battersea Poltergeist from BBC Radio revealed the power of storytelling to thrill and connect.
Music: The Soundtrack of 2024
Music underscored my creative flow, with artists like Kim Gordon, Little Simz, Kim Deal, FlyanaBoss, Bratakus, Enny, Kneecap, and Colleen shaping the soundscape of my year. Their work embodied fearless originality and offered moments of reflection and inspiration. These sounds reminded me to embrace risk, celebrate individuality, and stay true to my creative voice.
Art & Culture: The Unexpected Gems
Cultural serendipity enriched my year. The Cannes Film Festival Press Conferences offered insight into artistic collaboration, and the Red Hand Files Newsletter resonated with authenticity and depth. I laughed at the clever brilliance of the Firey Hawk Comedy Sketch, savored every issue of The Gentlewoman Magazine, and celebrated France’s Le Monde becoming available in English. These unexpected gems reminded me of art’s power to inspire joy, curiosity, and connection.
Closing Reflection: Art as a Companion
Art has been my steadfast companion in 2024, offering solace, inspiration, and a challenge to grow. Each creative encounter reinforced my mission of fostering compassion, mindfulness, and transformation. As I look toward 2025, I carry these experiences forward, inspired to create and connect with fearless intent. What art will you have into the new year? Let’s celebrate and create together.
UPCOMING:
Prepare to be inspired! I will announce a new FREE Masterclass in the December Artistic Clarity Club newsletter that promises to invigorate your creative spirit. During this special session, I’ll unveil the full lineup of Artistic Clarity’s diverse offerings for 2025—a rich variety of courses, workshops, and immersive masterclasses tailored to explore the habits, rituals, and delicate balance essential to the modern artist.
Sign-up for the Masterclass begins December 25.
Artistic Clarity’s events are designed to be inclusive, catering to all skill levels, from beginner-friendly courses to advanced explorations. And for those craving connection, our Artistic Clarity Club gatherings will offer online accessibility and in-person engagement, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and part of our community.
This is your invitation to elevate your creative practice—don’t let it pass you by! Stay tuned, and prepare to embark on a year of artistic transformation.
These blog posts are free of charge. However, they do take time, energy, and a lifetime of artistic experience to put together. If you’d like to buy me a cup of tea as a bit of thanks, I’d appreciate your generosity. Buy Pattie a Cup of Tea.
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