Part 2: Artist Life Upsides

I don’t know what happened with my last post but it looks like only 2 people even saw it. Maybe there was no interest -but it is a huge part of my life and i haven’t written much about it over the past year on this blog so i will persevere. Hopefully if you see this one, you can go back to the first part and catch up. This is the 2nd part of a 3 part thing…anyway…

So i spoke a lot about the tough road and hardships of becoming/being an artist.When i use the word “artist” i do not mean someone who just dabbles. I do not mean someone who does a few crafts, of has “a little hobby” that they do maybe every few months. I do not mean someone who attends a few paint & sip nights with their friends. I know it is common to hear the phrase “Everyone is an artist” and such and such. But, while i believe there is a creative side in almost all of us, i do not believe EVERYONE is an artist. There is a huge gap between doing something for occasional pleasure, and actually investing your mind , body , soul, money, time & energy in something. Ok , enough about that…i digress.

So, in spite of the hardships, there are indeed some upsides to being an artist. For one, when i first plopped my little pink toe into the artist world, i very quickly accumulated un-countable new and unique friends from all backgrounds, beliefs and walks of life in general. People i never would have crossed paths with if i had never ventured forth. These people have enriched my life in ways i cannot begin to count.

Prior to moving into these circles, i pretty much have a total of maybe 5 friends- one of which lived about 2 hours away ,whom i saw only a few times a year. Two were from church and we really weren’t that close, and another friend who was always so busy with advancing their nursing career and education, we were also barely able to connect. Then , i also had what i call my “Desperate Housewives” neighborhood acquaintances nice people but- i think you can imagine how life enhancing that was( not). Mainly, i spent my time working 2-3 jobs, attending school myself, going to church, the gym and yoga classes, along with bible study and monthly Bunco get togethers in the development. I was super busy, but not very fulfilled or balanced.

Getting into the creative life enabled me to mingle with people of various cultures, watch other artists grow and develop and thereby enhance my own skills. I also met poets, musicians, writers, photographers, theatricals, dancers and all types of other artists such as sculptors, jewelry makers, woodworkers , leather crafters and so on. I became extremely adaptable to almost any circle instead of being the shrinking violet in social situations. I thrived in a more diverse and populated environment.I had never had these opportunities before- or rather, never any real reason to leave my comfort zone.

As i mentioned, the first time you are referred to as an artist is probably one of the biggest “highs” you will have along the way. My first time came about a year into it. Even though i had been painting , and even co hosted , curated, and sponsored a monthly gallery event, people didn’t really “know” me or see me as anything but “another new kid on the block”. There are so many that show up, party for awhile then disappear, it’s understandable. But any true artist will tell you, you work hard for that title.

Another great thing is the number of connections you make in every sense…not simply other artists, but people who can benefit you as far as networking- for business,life necessities, purchasing and acquiring materials, getting involved in the community, and so many other areas. Most artists have other jobs , like myself, so this can be invaluable. Need a plumber? so and so does that. Need to find the best 24 hr places to eat ? Someone is an expert. Catering, carpentry, tailors, restaurant owners, farmers, caretakers, mechanics and all types of other people can be artists as well. And even better, as you get more established you can connect others with those you have met.Win-win.

Which brings me to a third upside- the reward of helping others learn and grow. Having new artists ask for your advice may be the second biggest compliment along the way. It is so flattering to feel that someone considers your skills valuable enough to enhance their own. Over the years, i have gotten an increasing amount of messages asking my advice on tools of the trade, how to sell or network, where to get supplies at a better cost, how to save money, and so on. I remember being the one doing the asking, and having that come full circle is “cloud nine”. Not to say i no longer ask others for advice. In fact, i still consider myself a novice compared to many i have had the pleasure of meeting. There are numerous artists i admire deeply- even to the point of jealousy( but in a good way!Those people have enhanced my skills and made me a better artist in every way and i do not see that ever coming to an end. There will always be better artists, and they are your best teachers!

So, hopefully this gives a more positive light on the subject.I encourage anyone, at any age or in any circumstance , who has the passion , not to bury it inside or not take a chance.You never know how much something will change your life and fulfill your soul until you try!

Namaste!