I've Got an Artful Life
If I didn't have Romare Bearden (one of the leading artists of the 20th century) as an example, I would say that it's almost impossible to create great art while working in some other field, even if that field is art education.
However, Mr. Bearden worked at the Post Office and his work is definitely great.
Very early in my creative career, I never worked what I considered to be serious jobs. Lots of temp work, waitressing and serving drinks in bars. I wanted work that was mindless and didn't enfringe on my creative time and energy.
A little later when I began to get gallery, exhibitions and juried fairs acceptances I also began teaching classes. In my mind I had bread and butter work - teaching and small artifacts sold at museum gift shops and art fairs, and major exhibitions pieces. The exhibition pieces sold in much smaller quantities but at much higher prices. I found the whole thing exhausting. Always focused on the future. Never sure where the next penny was coming from. Framing, carting, hauling and shipping. Long solitary periods of time in my studio and then like a crazed person having to find something presentable to wear and putting myself in a presentable frame of mind to meet and greet, sell and market. Discuss the intent of a piece, that really didn't have any intent.
And commissions. Boy they threw me completely out of whack. Still would except that I don't do commissioned work, participate in themed exhibits or any thing else that requires me to leave my own mind and try to enter into the mind of some one else. I make, it you like it, you buy it or not.
So as I scroll through my blog world and read about artists who have no time to be creative because they are teaching, writing books, creating patterns for sale, marketing on the internet, trying to create pleasing and acceptable commissioned work I am so thankful to be where I am.
Now if I would only learn to stay there.
However, Mr. Bearden worked at the Post Office and his work is definitely great.
Very early in my creative career, I never worked what I considered to be serious jobs. Lots of temp work, waitressing and serving drinks in bars. I wanted work that was mindless and didn't enfringe on my creative time and energy.
A little later when I began to get gallery, exhibitions and juried fairs acceptances I also began teaching classes. In my mind I had bread and butter work - teaching and small artifacts sold at museum gift shops and art fairs, and major exhibitions pieces. The exhibition pieces sold in much smaller quantities but at much higher prices. I found the whole thing exhausting. Always focused on the future. Never sure where the next penny was coming from. Framing, carting, hauling and shipping. Long solitary periods of time in my studio and then like a crazed person having to find something presentable to wear and putting myself in a presentable frame of mind to meet and greet, sell and market. Discuss the intent of a piece, that really didn't have any intent.
And commissions. Boy they threw me completely out of whack. Still would except that I don't do commissioned work, participate in themed exhibits or any thing else that requires me to leave my own mind and try to enter into the mind of some one else. I make, it you like it, you buy it or not.
So as I scroll through my blog world and read about artists who have no time to be creative because they are teaching, writing books, creating patterns for sale, marketing on the internet, trying to create pleasing and acceptable commissioned work I am so thankful to be where I am.
Now if I would only learn to stay there.
So glad that you found my blog since it has allowed me to find yours. I think we speak in a common voice. I liked this post. As an artist that still lives two lives- one running a fairly substantial branding agency and one that is an artist after hours, I look forward to the day- probably 5-7 years away, when I can start the day with a leisurely cup of coffee as I enter my studio- not my office.
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