Well, I did it. I jumped off the cliff. I gave notice at my job last week. I decided that I'm not going to wait for the right time to start being a full time artist - I'm just going to be a full time artist.
I keep trying to rationalize it (to myself) and justify it (for everyone else), but it comes down to believing that I can do it. I'm already doing a lot of the work that needs to be done, I just need to continue and even step it up.
What's on the horizon:
-Expanding my workshops - continuing the encaustic workshops (possibly adding a 2-day version) and adding bookmaking workshops
-Raising my workshop prices (I haven't been charging enough)
-New studio space - and when I move I will possibly offer even more classes - drawing and painting for adults and children. Maybe even gallery/retail space
-Some sort of craft endeavor with Etsy or my potential retail space - possibly selling my collage boxes, handmade books, etc
-Possibly teaching as an adjunct at one of the area universities
-Two solo shows - Manhattan, Kansas and Douglasville, Georgia
-Volunteer activities - for my local art league and other groups
-Encaustic conference at Montserrat College in Massachusetts in June
-Waxy Buildup show with Trayc Claybrook - we're sending out proposals, looking for a venue for our two-woman show
-maybe even turn this blog into a book
So I feel like I definitely have lots of things in the works!
I also have an idea for a whole new series of work and I want to start making books again and I want to start doing some acrylic painting again... I'm so energized and excited that I just can't wait to get started on everything!
Thank you to everyone who has left such great comments. Thanks to Mary for the encouraging email - I love how you called your life as a working artist an adventure - the inspiration for the title of this post.
I will keep you posted!
20 comments:
WOO HOOOO! Congratulations Deanna on this very big step in your life. I wish you all the success in the world. I'm so lucky to be here this moment in time to see what you will become. You have it all planned out and I wish you the very best!
Lots os hugs,
Rosa.
Deanna, I'm almost sure you have read this, but just in case:
http://www.kerismith.com/howto.htm
Hey, Deanna--
Congrats on the leap.
Thanks for mentioning the Encaustic Conference (www.montserrat.edu)It's going to be great. I look forward to meeting you there. Meanwhile, Ilove your blog. It's on my students' (Montserrat, Mass Art) reading list.
Warmly,
Joanne
Congratulations!!! You will never regret this big leap. It will lead you to bigger dreams and unimaginable opportunities. I love you work.
and so the adventure begins...along the way you may think you regret the hows and whys of certain decisions you make along the way but the truth is your road as an artist is now wide open before you. there are no wrong decisions, only interesting side jaunts...;-) i wish you all the best! i've been a self supporting freelance artist, writer and naturalist all my life and the road has been fabulously interesting and rich, even if not always paved with gold. have no fear--you've now taken your own life into your own hands--how cool is that???
I have no doubt ... you'll do fine. I'm so excited for you. I'm looking forward to reading your posts on how things are expanding and enriched because of your decision. You GO girl !!!
Congratulations -- how exciting!
Congratulations on making the leap. Best wishes of success to you.
A big BIG step Deanna but wonderfully exciting! I wish you lots of joy and satisfaction in your new life.
Good luck.
Go Deanna, it's your birthday....
It kind of is like a new day for you. I'm excited for you!
when you're going to be in Massachusetts, let me know--I'll come meet you or show you around the Cape, if you can take an extra day or so.
this is fabulous! i'm about to make that leap and it's wonderful to see someone else doing the same. congrats!
Congrats .. would that I were so brave! :)
Yes! Free Fall!!!! So happy for you!!!! You just opened the big door for all your dreams and sucess to come rushing in!!!! Wishing you all you need to be happy & free!
Good luck to you Deanna - this is such an exciting step you have made. I'll be checking back to follow your progress. Much success to you!
Wow, good for you for taking this scary and positive step!
Hi Deanna and congratulations on taking the step to true success: doing what you love with an unrelenting passion to share it with the world! While working in office settings about all I could think of was getting home to work up new ideas in the Art of Crochet. So now, here I go - full force into it, with jewelry crocheted of precious metal wire and glass. I recently introduced the concept of teaching the Art of Crochet in a local Community Art Center and also had an interview for an Artist in Residence position in our local Art Musuem circuit. Like you, I had to really focus to clarify my goals and what I must do to reach them. Stumbling across your blog today inspires me to continue in this path (even though at times it is kind of frightening to not have that weekly paycheck from a dead-end job). I still feel at peace in my spirit that I am now where I should be in the great scheme of things, as you must also feel. Thanks for allowing me to share my thoughts with you. Georgia
Deanna, one more thing...your words inspired me today and gave me much hope! You are already a success for believing in yourself! I wish you even more success in the future. Georgia Wild
Bravo!!
I've been reading you for a little while and I'm absolutely delighted for you.. Things don't always happen to you so you have to make them happen!! Well done!!
Amélie
WOW Deanna, this is a huge step! So brave! Well done! You are truly inspirational and I look forward to watching as you go from success to success. I know that the times I have taken a giant leap like this have been the best things I have done in my life - and I am sure it will be the same for you. Warm wishes,
Amanda
Post a Comment