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Saturday, January 05, 2008

CREATING IN 2008

wonderment2














wonderment2
pen and ink, neocolor2 and crayola crayons
© Sue O'Kieffe 2008



It is your responsibility to share your gifts with the world. Creativity is holy. ~Matthew Fox

Say hello to my first doodle and first creation of 2008 on this, the first Sacred Silly Saturday of the year. I ushered in the New Year with one humdinger of a cold, which left me feeling anything but creative, yet filled with lots of wonder. I think that's a good sign.

Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.~ Rainer Maria Rilke

When the New Year comes around I prefer to think more in terms of intent than I do in resolve. At the end of 2006 I stated my intention as being open to what it took to become a self-sustaining artist. At the end of 2007, I find myself back in the work force full time. Not exactly what I expected a year ago, but it is a decision that feels right and good to me. I've never been a big fan of the concept of the starving artist. The question it raises for me, though, as Im sure it must for lots of other artists, is how does this fit in with those dreams of mine, of being an Artist in Business for Herself? How do I manage my time effectively and still have fun?

And right now I just don't know. I do suspect,though, that like much of life, it won't end up looking like what I thought ... or hoped .... it would.

Would any of you care to share your experience or insights with me?

7 comments:

dianeclancy said...

Dear Sue,

I am glad you are feeling better! So sorry you were sick!

This is a gorgeous scribble!! I like!!

Ah yes, the age old (or new old anyway) question of work as artist vs food in mouth ... and TIME!

I know I am doing work that is not directly my art often .. never mind the marketing.

Perhaps it would be good to choose a mid-size, manageable goal and then to focus on only that for a bit (besides blogging and whatever).

In other words, give yourself something that is fun and can succeed and use having a job as FREEDOM for having to produce, produce, produce!!

Hugs,
~ Diane Clancy
www.dianeclancy.com/blog

TammyVitale said...

Great music!

art and $ and such: I worked many jobs (some at the same time) for many years, then "retired" early and eventually may have to unretire. I look at being a full time artist as something that comes in sections of time. This year I have totally revamped my business from art for everyone (small to large) to art for some (large, upped my prices). Eventually one must act like a business, see if it's viable, and proceed from the feedback. Ask again this time next year. =]

Bobbie said...

A business, like any business, takes a lot of energy to run. I once had a (non art) business and worked at my regular job and spent every other minute on the other job. It is hard to do both and when I gave it up, seeing that it just wasn't working, it was such a relief. I'm not saying that this is what you should do, but that it is an option. Mostly my advice now would be to take time for yourself and let your heart guide your decisions.

John M. Mora said...

Sue, for me the starving artist myth is horrible and in life I need to make compromises. I do art for myself and do not expect to make a living of it.

For housing cars food energy cupcakes I compete with two income families. 12 more months of payments on the Toyota van.

I am trying to find ways to be more creative in how I make a living - we will see.

I do commend your mission and vision.

Irene said...

I was here admiring your doodle, but I can't say anything sensible about being a starving artist or about being an artist who has to work to make a living. I suppose you have applied for grants?

Unknown said...

Thanks to those of you who responded to my query. One change I want to make in 2008 is acknowledging your responses. I love when you do that for me.
Diane, a manageable goal is a good idea.
Tammy, sections of time is a more manageable way of looking at it, too. Keep that sense of overwhelm at bay.
Bobbie, Im just getting started. Im not ready to stop yet. That much Im clear on.
John, Im glad you are here making art, no matter what your motivation is. You inspire me.
Irene, I appreciate your admiration all the time. Thank you.

In thinking about the responses I received, I know I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and have not quite come to terms with switching from a full steam ahead approach to slowing waayyyy down. It feels kind of weird to realize I now actually have an opportunity to relax.
~sue o'kieffe

artandtea said...

Hi Sue,
Your doodle reminds me of a tropical island, so nice to think about this time of year especially!
I work a full-time job and, though I make a daily habit of creating art, it still falls to a part-time status in favor of the bill paying job. That said, in Spring 2007, I changed my day job schedule from 40 hours to 32 hours and that small change significantly changed my life. I am much more relaxed about everything and a lot less stressed and I find I have more time for myself and my art now.
Good luck with finding that balance. It is so important!
-Karen