Balancing Art and Life

Fulfilling my desire to be an artist and develop a business while dealing with the distractions and commitments of everyday life can be very frustrating. There are sacrifices to be made, but also planning to be done.

The ultimate challenge for most artists is how to get  those periods of solitary, uninterrupted time to work. Life is full of distractions, and finding pockets of time to work is the most difficult.

I separate my work area from family space, and keep it that way and give myself the time to make art. It takes self-discipline and commitment to set my boundaries. Plans change, things come up, attention will be divided. ”Making” time is important if art is a priority. It’s not easy, and things are often left undone as a result, but it’s OK if art is kept as a top priority.” Guess if you’re passionate about something, I guarantee you its all-consuming. Sometimes I ask myself: “Does my current situation bring me joy? Am I spending enough time with my family and friends? Do I feel like this gives me purpose?

There is so much art just sitting around in Galleries, begging for a home. Why should I keep making art when there’s already so much out there trying to be sold? I know that seems pessimistic to you probably, but I just don’t know where I fit into all of it. Or if I there’s even room for me”. Here is the answer…  

“Paintings are not just a nice thing to have or to do if there is free time or if one can afford it. Rather, paintings and poetry, music and fashion, design and dialogue, they all define who we are as a people and provide an account of our history for the next generation.”

Art cannot stop, and it’s my responsibility as a creator to see to its thriving, fruitful continuation. If we let art stop, then our culture, our time, our history might all disappear.

I feel blessed for the talent I have been given. Not everyone has the ability to create art, and not everyone can even learn it with someone else teaching. If you have been blessed with artistic ability, be happy with doing your personal best, and know that studying your favorite artists’ works and practice will take you to new levels that will excite and inspire you!

Honing your skills when you’re an artist is a process that continues forever; be inspired, be motivated, and most of all let your art reflect yourself and your passion!