a journey in art 

In 4th grade art class we learned about famous artists.  When I found out that Vincent Van Gogh lopped off his ear and (allegedly) gave it to a girlfriend, I was pretty sure that I had just discovered my people.  For years I would doodle inappropriately on school books and homework, hoping someone would notice and I would be called into the coven of artists.  Unfortunately, I was never recruited.

 

​Years later, upon transferring to the High School that the rich kids went to (where they could afford a proper art department), I finally felt like I found a place that I belonged.  There were endless opportunities to explore creative and artistic endeavors.  I started to dream about my life as an artist, the art I would make and the recognition that I would deserve.   ​

 

​But then High School ended, and reality set in.  Art School wasn't an option, so I moved to a town that was more artsy than most, in desperate need of work.  One job led to another, and then another.  I ended up in a battle trying to pay for all the trappings of life, which kept snuffing out the time I had for creativity.

 

​Over time, working to survive turned into working to support my family.  Responsibilities grew, job opportunities improved and eventually I was in charge of important things.  I settled into an acceptance that I was successfully fulfilling my obligations and that was all I could ask for, right?

 

​My inner artist began expressing her displeasure with this situation and steered me once again to follow my imagination.  I started carving out time in my life for a regular art practice.  I was very aware of how easy it can be to let other things in life take over, and so I made a real commitment  to prioritize art.  For ten years, I practiced, experimented and created abstract art and handmade jewelry while also holding down my full time job and family duties.  

 

​And then, in a moment everything changed.  All of a sudden, I realized that I could do this.  I could focus on art, and make it my job, my life, my one and only career.

 

​So I quit my job.  I am an artist.