Sometimes along the creative path, we loose our footing, we take a misstep or we struggle to find our voice, along our way. My husband will retire from the Navy this week. Twenty-eight years of service, he will be honored and celebrated, and I'll get a paper thank you. A bittersweet moment, for both of us.
My daughter is going to go for her license, soon and I have been trying to find a job. It is tough out there, but I don't need to tell you. I need her to be able to get to her extra curricular activities, and her away performances. Yes, there is a bus, but she has to be at the school by 8 am and picked up between 11:30pm-1am. I'm applying for all kinds of jobs, but still planning on finishing my poetry book and have an Art Walk coming up. This is why I haven't been as attentive online, as I hoped to be.
Honestly, some members of my family think I should give up my art. I hear every day from some source, there is no $ in it. I also hear, what a mess I make. I am a messy artist-yes, I am. I will also admit it takes a lot of time, to hide all of my creative endeavors. Ssssh, don't tell...but I have plastic bottles cleaned n' cut and ready to create. Yes, I made my bracelets out of recycled plastic and panty hose.
Funny, I do not see it that way, yet I have struggled and haven't made a lot of money. I guess I couldn't focus on one format. I received this catalog today, The Land of Nod. Wow, soft cloth rag dolls made out of vintage remnants, for only a little under $200. Yes, no money in art?! An Autistic man was in the news, his paintings were going for $4000. Yes, no money in that...
I understand my family-I do. It is a hobby until it takes off and I need a steady pay- check. Family thinks I should maybe write and sell my art supplies. Yes, I will part with some of my things. (It isn't happening-giving up is not my style) I just won't be so vocal about my art, my writing, and online fun. I won't change who I am for anyone and neither should you! Money or not-it is part of who we are. We have to express ourselves....
-Henri Matisse
My daughter is going to go for her license, soon and I have been trying to find a job. It is tough out there, but I don't need to tell you. I need her to be able to get to her extra curricular activities, and her away performances. Yes, there is a bus, but she has to be at the school by 8 am and picked up between 11:30pm-1am. I'm applying for all kinds of jobs, but still planning on finishing my poetry book and have an Art Walk coming up. This is why I haven't been as attentive online, as I hoped to be.
Honestly, some members of my family think I should give up my art. I hear every day from some source, there is no $ in it. I also hear, what a mess I make. I am a messy artist-yes, I am. I will also admit it takes a lot of time, to hide all of my creative endeavors. Ssssh, don't tell...but I have plastic bottles cleaned n' cut and ready to create. Yes, I made my bracelets out of recycled plastic and panty hose.
Funny, I do not see it that way, yet I have struggled and haven't made a lot of money. I guess I couldn't focus on one format. I received this catalog today, The Land of Nod. Wow, soft cloth rag dolls made out of vintage remnants, for only a little under $200. Yes, no money in art?! An Autistic man was in the news, his paintings were going for $4000. Yes, no money in that...
I understand my family-I do. It is a hobby until it takes off and I need a steady pay- check. Family thinks I should maybe write and sell my art supplies. Yes, I will part with some of my things. (It isn't happening-giving up is not my style) I just won't be so vocal about my art, my writing, and online fun. I won't change who I am for anyone and neither should you! Money or not-it is part of who we are. We have to express ourselves....
"Arguably, no artist grows up:
If he sheds the perceptions of childhood,
he ceases being an artist." -Ned Rorem
"As artists, we are manifesting thought into reality
every time we create." -Cristina Acosta
"An artist is an explorer. He must begin by self-discovery
and the observation of his own procedures. "
-Henri Matisse
Comments
Have faith, Ella - you'll find something.
Who knew?
Keep it to yourself in person, yes. But share it online with us, because we understand.
And I hope you can get a job you'll enjoy, and where you're appreciated.
Love, K
An artist locked in solitary confinement for twenty years, might not "produce", but he would still be an artist, just a frustrated one.
NEVER give up your art. Art isnt about money, it is about being who we are, bringing forth the gifts that are inside us. Your work is beautiful and amazing. It brings you - and us - joy. THAT is its worth, nothing to do with money.
If you must work for money, then I hope people could respect your right to, in your off hours, produce art for your own joy. It is not about money. Grrrrrrr.
As Kay said, share it with us, we understand.
p.s. dont sell any art stuff. You NEED it!
I'm applying for a job out of element and fear I will get it. I will push through it! I love the rubber chicken, but do save it...I know you might need that prank in your neck of the woods! Do I need to come your way-I'll bringing popcorn! I think there is a circus in town, a 3 ring type(okay yours is 2 ring) lol. Thanks for being YOU! ;D (((hugs)))
I won't sell my art stuff, but I do have to lighten the load on my books(maybe ;D) Thank you!!! <3
Mary Ann-Thank you! It is just strange how history repeats itself. My father didn't want me to pursue art-I guess the starving artist theory still lives. I will work somewhere and still do art. It is who I am. I lost it once and became depressed-I won't do that again!!!! (((hugs)))
Kay-I am sorry! Life is a coaster~
How did that happen? It sounds awful... I find it hard not to wonder about the Navy and my health. I almost died because of their neglect. I won't go long here, but 1380 bs, no phone call about my blood work and then all my paper work missing. Yeah, I know my Dr. was suppose to go to the President's hospital. When I came to, guess who sat beside my bed crying-No, not hubby-my Dr. Hubby was packing my suitcase, so we could fly to Anchorage, AK. Yes, keep it to myself and all of you! I like that plan~ (((hugs)))
Alex-Thank you! They say I can, but I have to understand it is a hobby. I wanted more, but I knew it was a hobby. When you get published the first time you submit-well the dream grew. I don't have a big head, but I do have a big mess, lol. Nah, I'll never give up-I'll just be more clever ;D
Thank you Captain!!!
When you look back on your life, you'll be able to say "Yes, I did that...I made that..."
Money is nice, but it's not what life is about.
Best wishes with it all :)
Since art is a very big part of your personality and nature, I would hate to see you give it up. And I have a feeling that no matter what you do, or where you go, you will always be creating something beautiful.
Things never go away, they just change form. You will find your niche, I am sure of it.
In the meantime, God bless, and good luck, xoxo
Have a happy day & Week ~
Grace-I love that I lifted your heart-you always lift mine~ :D
Canadian Chickadee-I love your Shakespeare quote :D Thank you~
You are sweet and yes, the changing form is what I have to realize! I guess, they don't want me to give it up. I know what I need to do. Straighten up my space and keep my art in one place. It is just hard, when someone else shares your creative space. I dream of my very own studio...
Thank you for your kind, wonderful comment xo
Mark-Thank you! I love the wisdom you shared~ :D You are so right~
YOU all lifted my heart <3 thank you!!!
hahaha. Funny how people hide their hobbies. I have to do it sometimes to as my family thinks I go overboard on it.
Julie
Lots of love and sending best wishes your way :-)
You are sweet-yes, the joy n' discovery is the best part! I know, just another twirl on the coaster of life! Thank you~
Laura-Thank you! Yes, the dance of doubt enters in my brain. My muse likes to be alone and I worry about finding time. If there is a will,than I will find a way...lol
Thank you, yes I can only be me :D
You are always kindhearted! Hug Ellie for me~
Wanda-You are right! I'm too loud to be quiet, lol. Thank you Wanda I appreciate your advice :D
Renee-Thank you! You are right-I will just be stealth like and find a way~ Thanks Renee for being you! ;D Hope your world is filled with color today~
Mixi-Thank you! Yes, we can only be ourselves~ Besides I wouldn't be any fun, lol. Thank you, I will find a way~ @>--------
You are sweet~
Green Speck-Well said! It is a dance. I am rt brained and live with left brained ;D I will just put my feet in both worlds and see what happens. Thank you! :D
Julie-Thank you! It is like anything we love-no matter if there is money or not, we must do it! ;D I will carry on-thank you!
Stephen-lol, yes this is how it is. Funny though my hubby has half the frog and a whole garage for his stuff. I have half the Furnished Room Over Garage and every nook and cranny I can find! ;D Thanks for sharing-it is nice to know I'm not alone in this creative process!
Keep writing and smiling!
xo to you @>----------
I hope we can use your photos again for poetry-I love your visual poetry, too ;D