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To paint or not to paint   

Posted by helenofjoy - Oct 22, 2013 - 7:53am
Well, I've been in my new apartment in Lincoln for two weeks now and so far, all is going well I think.  I still don't have a job yet, and am at a strange place where people in my life are telling me to earn money with my art instead of getting a job, part-time or full-time.  There are some practical sorts who seem to think that getting a job at the local Natural Grocery may be a good safety net to keep me from getting evicted for failure to afford rent sometime down the road.  This kind of thinking nags at me.

The time and effort it takes to market one's art is at least proportionate to the time and effort put into creating it, if one is to make any money at all.  And if you are painting and "creating" to make money, is it creative at all?  Even though I have a mind to make money with it, I still visualize ideas for paintings and they are all visualizations that  were joyful to visualize.  Does this make any sense?  Does this make the art I create for sale less legitimate?  Should I call it something other than art?

I keep forgetting that I can make money teaching it too, and that at least keeps me painting, even if only small pieces that can be inexpensively framed, and hopefully sold some day as affordable originals.  I had a gift shop turn down small originals for sale unless they were each matted and framed professionally.  Do they know how much that costs?  I understand her reason for wanting to present them appropriately, as we would both profit and her shop would maintain it's integrity.  

I headed out yesterday with a boxful of small paintings with the intention of finding gift shops that would take them hanging individually in clear cellophane envelopes.  Once I got downtown and to the Haymarket area, I found my courage flagging and my insecurities coming to the forefront.  Maybe I should invest what little money I have left in getting some of the better pieces framed properly?  Then take them to a couple of galleries.  Why does this idea frighten me so much?  It sort of reminds me of how I felt the very first time I approached an artists guild with my work.  And again the first time I approached a Gallery owner to find out if I could show my work there.  My work has always been happily shown in the galleries I have worked with and I have made enough sales to know there are people out there who really like my paintings. 

I came home without having shown the paintings to one person.  I checked out the local senior center to see if it was a likely place to hold classes.  It was deserted.  Where are all the seniors at 1:00 in the afternoon - napping?  At any rate, I have to get this fear under control.  Apparently I put myself in these situations and I've always managed to work my way to a certain level of satisfaction until a new challenge presents itself.

Oh for the $7,000 a week for life from PCH!    
5 comments on this journal entry.
helenofjoy
What Day Is This?
helenofjoy Avatar

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska


Posted: Nov 8, 2013 - 6:17am

Ok, I've got ads on Craigslist for Pet Portraits, Private Art Lessons, I'm posting little Pet Portrait Flyers all over town and on Facebook.  I have some Pet Portrait orders coming in already and one resume I'm working on.  If I can keep the work coming in so that I have maybe 1 portrait or some other art project a week and 1 resume, I will not only stay busy but be able to support myself without help.

I've also had an interview with the State and took a bunch of tests (in which my scores were great!), for temporary positions which could last up to a year.  I really would prefer not to have to go to work for someone else and would like to just work from home.  I am lucky - at least I have options. 
Antigone

Antigone Avatar

Location: A house, in a Virginian Valley


Posted: Oct 27, 2013 - 6:17am

Sounds like you've got good ideas and a healthy perspective on the situation.

{#Good-vibes}

(you know that you can delete comments, right?) {#Arrowd}
Alexandra
Living with passion
Alexandra Avatar

Location: PNW


Posted: Oct 24, 2013 - 8:04am

Teaching is a great way to address the "practical" side of things. I have a friend who made a living at holding art lessons, while also creating time for her painting and getting things into galleries. That way, all your energy is going toward art.

 
I wish you all the best with this. At least you got out there and took baby steps.  
lily34
i need a bogle for my glotch.
lily34 Avatar

Location: GTFO


Posted: Oct 22, 2013 - 10:38am

i'm with him
Coaxial
Shine On.
Coaxial Avatar

Location: 543 miles west of Paradis,1491 miles east of Paradise


Posted: Oct 22, 2013 - 10:23am

{#Hug}That fear of leaving ones comfort zone can truly be paralyzing...Your work is great and deserves to be shown and sold to the public...I've no doubt you will be successful.{#Good-vibes}Carpe diem.