the journey changes
This isn't a big moan or a whine, it's about the process of change.
I have been really blessed in as much as never having to fight for a show, or beg to be in a gallery.I have had two great episodes of projects in the national and international news (that was a lark), and people like my work and have supported it. For that I am truly thankful.
BUT
I have decided to give up the business of "being" an artist, trying to make a career as an artist, at least actively. Here is a great essay about the subject. I am not giving up doing art or showing it when the mood and circumstances strike.
I just want to divorce the relationship from the professional aspect of being an artist.
What that means I have no idea
I will let the muses Rule
and
go where the wind takes me and let the chips fall where they may
Have a great weekend everyone
I have been really blessed in as much as never having to fight for a show, or beg to be in a gallery.I have had two great episodes of projects in the national and international news (that was a lark), and people like my work and have supported it. For that I am truly thankful.
BUT
I have decided to give up the business of "being" an artist, trying to make a career as an artist, at least actively. Here is a great essay about the subject. I am not giving up doing art or showing it when the mood and circumstances strike.
I just want to divorce the relationship from the professional aspect of being an artist.
What that means I have no idea
I will let the muses Rule
and
go where the wind takes me and let the chips fall where they mayHave a great weekend everyone
Comments
A how to of cutting the constrictions and enjoying the freedom of infinity!
Good luck in this episode--the muses are a joy in themselves--enjoy the ride.
Derick
Didn't mean to scare ya!
thanks derick, so right on. Today has been such a joy getting lost in the minutiae of french knots and not even thinking why!
Lady P. it is a conundrum and it is a shame when all the creative energy and talent isn't enough to pay the bills and then some.The essay was good wasn't it, well thought out and written. Gave me a lot to ponder. I realized that all that energy I put out wasn't getting much of a return, so I may as well put it into "just" doing art. Such a release already to not even have to think about promoting what I do, no biz cards, etc. ah!!!!!!!
You do such beautiful work.
I finally managed to get an article picked up by a major magazine. They will pay $100...
Many magazines pay by the word. Is what I have to say worth 25c per word? Is that the real value of every word I write/think?
Hiay Heather, I think this is a journey so many artists take (and in other professions). Trying to find that balance and the business side of things is an important part of the journey. sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, other times there is a delicate balance. No right or wrong, but being able to work with, around, against things as the times\needs dictate.
It is so funny and common to see all these artists scurrying around on art marketing websites. Just reading their blogs or listening to their "tweets" (more like hawks!) exhausts me. They are trying to BE artists. This is their interpretation of the life of an artist. I disagree wholeheartedly.
I think with all the marketing hoopla going on right now, the concept of what an artist "is" is becoming very twisted and skewed. I think this is very sad. I am glad I have lived as an artist for as long as I have. Without a doubt, I know I am an artist. I don't have to BE anything.
I think we have to try to find what works, but gosh why beat your head against a wall. Oh I know the advice, create what people want, do commissions, sell cheap stuff, do the art fairs, shows, etc etc. Been there, done that, and it doesn't work for ME.
Great points sheree, thanks.
This is a problem that I encounter daily and one I was just talking to my hubby about last night. Up until 4 years ago, I kept a part time job so that I could make the work that truly inspired me. When I took on art as a full time job I knew the danger I faced....the danger of compromise. Compromising the muses is always dangerous to art and I am so happy for you that you are letting those Muses back in control. Rock on Ms. Jafa, Rock on!
I am going to come back to this post for inspiration.
Jaf, I was thinking about all this stuff again last night. I wondered if you ever noticed the quotes I have on the sidebar of my blog. I think two of them are very apropos at this moment. Also, I live by the sentiments and love reading them both!
Making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
Dr. Maya Angelou
“Well, while I’m here I’ll do the work and what’s the work?
to ease the pain of living.
Everything else, drunken
dumbshow”
Allen Ginsberg
Leanne, the muses have been telling me something for a while but I didn't want to pay attention. I am more than happy to make compromises in other ways to facillitate being able to stay home and work on my art.
the painting is oil on wood and after I had painted my portrait I decided to sand it down. thanks :)
Peace to you & yours, always.
the sad thing about being creative is that you don't have a choice in the matter.
If i were you i'd leave some bread crumbs so you can find your way back
I am even *gasp* considering leaving clay - although when I have taken extended breaks in the past, I always come back.
It's weird how the tides ebb and flow.
Philip I kept saying to my husband what is the point of me doing a show. I will spend months doing about 20 paintings and people will go ooh and ahh and then I will bring the stuff home and stuff it under the beds and in cupboards. If it isn't selling and it isn't about getting attention or feeding an ego, then what the heck is the point.
The minute I let go I started to have visions of things I wanted to explore, try and play with.
I am doing a show next year, but I am not creating work FOR a show. THe gallery is allowing me to have an installation of whatever the muses comes up. So nothing I am doing has an agenda beyond the actual process of working on art, developing skills and fulfilling a need to create.
The business side of things was contaminating my work, and I just can't have that.