Being an artist is tough. The creating is the easiest, of course, because art is what we want to do. If I made a list of everything else involved in having a living as an artist, the list itself would become too overwhelming to continue. In many cases, you're your own public relations person, marketing firm, bookkeeper, office manager, gallery liason, show/festival coordinator, merchandising expert....okay, I'm stopping....see? It can keep going for many, many moons.
There are bad days, like shows you work hours to prepare for, then sell close to nothing. If you've been trying to make it in art for a year, 5 years, 10, 20, whatever the case, you know it can be discouraging. You're practically putting your soul out there and asking people to appreciate it enough to spend their money. At moments, you might be tempted to give up. Go get a full-time job, work your schedule, go home, enjoy life...easy! Let someone else do all the business-running part, right?
But then, you start feeling unfulfilled. Something is missing. You need to create. You miss those late nights with your pup and your zero dress code in the studio. Being an artist is not a choice, it's a calling. How many people can draw, paint, weave, sculpt, knit, mold, etc. what you do? Only one. You're giving something to this world, while discovering self-fulfillment by doing it.
As a jewelry artist who's been shuffling around this vastness of color and design for 20 years, I've experienced the ebb and flow. I've been way up, and I've been way down. I've wanted to give up, and I've wanted to keep going. Just like the tides...you're low, and you're high. I get it. Every artist selling their wares gets it. Our life isn't easy. But it's what we do. And oh, what sweet glory when we're successful. If you're talented, you're successful. You can get through the discouraging parts, just hang in there. That goes for anything. THis is YOUR thing, YOUR calling, unique to you. Believe in yourself and in what you create, and you'll get there...or you'll get there again.
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| one of my first necklaces, cowrie shell , pearls and coral |
Me? After a 2022 of many highs and just as many, it seems, lows, I'm reassessing. Evolution, change, progression...these are words on my brain in 2023. I'm taking what I learned from my stumbles, pulling up my boot straps, and pressing on.
Thank you and take care
Sharon
