it's by shear luck that i've been able to explore this career for the last 3 years...owning a shop and being a full time artist were two of my dreams. being able to grow and learn as a small biz owner, meet so many wonderful people around the world (via the internet), and have the time to figure out likes and dislikes of it all has been a great experience. however, not having the store and just doing my art full time has been challenging emotionally (and financially to be quite honest). don't get me wrong, i LOVE making art...but the pressure of having to make a living at it has sucked the life out of me. i had to learn this on my own, and i'm glad i did.
i am switching gears. i've found myself in a position of possibly expanding my teaching experience with a Montessori school here in Austin. this is so thrilling, and a chance to try something else i've wanted to do. i'll know more in the next week or two. i feel drawn to this opportunity. it's a full time position, which will change my priorities and i think that is going to be a good thing for my art. it does mean, however, that i won't have as much inventory...however i believe the quality of my work will only get better.
the studio is STILL on the agenda...it's getting ready to be moved and i'm having a fundraiser to help offset costs of that. i still will be painting, but will be able to explore more techniques and new imagery without the pressure of having to sell the piece and hurrying up to finish it. i am still going to make some jewelry and pottery! i can't wait to spin some clay. i've been dying to do that for a long time now.
i can't tell you how much better i feel now...just having the stress of not having to make a living off my art is SOOO huge. i'm excited to learn more about teaching the Montessori method and helping toddlers learn. wish me luck!
