As I bid a fond farewell to the Year of the Snake and its many lessons, I welcome the Fire Horse year—and a new decade of life—with openness, courage, and renewed purpose.

The Snake’s presence in the Chinese zodiac is a potent reminder of transformation, wisdom, and adaptability—qualities that resonate deeply with many of us as we navigate our personal lives and creative endeavors. It’s not just a year for change; it’s a time for metamorphosis, for evolving into something truer, wiser, and more aligned with our purpose. I find myself resonating more and more with these themes as the months unfold, and I can see how the Year of the Snake is not just about shedding old habits, but also embracing the new and the unknown.

The Year of the Snake: Shedding my Scrappy Self Blog post by Elise Wagner, encaustic painter, printmaker, educator. Photo: Elise Wagner at work in her studio at Pier 11 in Astoria, OR.

Cheers to a wonderful 2024 and exciting adventures ahead in 2025! Read my latest blog and get caught up on all the news and studio developments. Artist, Elise Wagner