I’m so glad I became an artist…
Even though I never dreamed it was possible when I was young.
Like almost all of us, the idea that I could never make a living at something so out of the box and creative was absolutely unimaginable. Be a successful artist? That’s just dumb.
Even though they said there was no way for it to happen.
I was in high school in the mid nineties, before an active internet even existed (my friend’s dad got AOL in 1995 and it was mostly just chat rooms where people hit on my friend and me). Becoming a working artist meant striving and struggling and begging for your work to be in a gallery. Social media and a way to share my work with thousands, even millions of people, wasn’t even a glimmer in my eye.
Even when my doubts followed me around.
I let my doubts get in my way, over and over again. I didn’t pursue art in the way that would make me happiest when I was in college or after. I simply had no faith in myself.
Even though I gave up on it for years.
After college, I stopped making art for years and years, until I couldn’t ignore the urge any longer.
I’m so glad I became an artist…
Because it feels as if I’m adding from the world, rather than subtracting.
I’ve always tended towards work that make me feel like I was giving back to the world (working at nonprofits and in hospitality), but making and sharing art is on another level. I get to create something that brings people joy and then they invite that joy into their homes! Amazing.
Because nothing else feels as good in my soul.
I tried and tried and tried to ignore the desire to be an artist. I talked myself out of it for decades. But it keeps coming back, over and over again. My soul wants to create art and add stillness to the world. This is the thing that feels right.
Because I can’t imagine being anything else.
I enjoy other aspects of my life, like being a mother, and being a partner, and reading and baking and spending time with friends, but all of that comes together in support of making art.
Because it means I’m here with you.
I have had the pleasure of sending artwork around the world. I have received delighted emails after owner’s have received their art. I feel like my life is making a difference. Thank you.
A big THANK YOU for being here on this journey. If you want more insights, peace, and creativity, join the Collector’s List.