It's very hard for an artist. People just don't get why we NEED to make art. And unless you're a big commercial success, most people just think you're a lazy bum. I know. People don't get me either. They think I'm just being lazy. It doesn't even matter that I'm extremely prolific. It's almost worse that I'm prolific. Because I'm running out of room to store it all.
So true. Very hard indeed. From an outsider's point of view it might look ridiculously stupid to make your mind to do it full-time. And yes, storage, tell me about it. When I reach your age I might need to bury them to save space, this is a small house. LOL :D
By the way have I told you lately that I adore your Coastlines? :)
First I had some money, savings. But it lasted only for a year or so. Then, I actually do very little freelance translation/writing work. I don't sell myself hard enough to get myself totally occupied with such work. Besides, I am very lazy, I admit. Sometimes people buy paintings. And I live with my parents. Without their financial support, I am unable to do art the way I do now. There were times I was entirely depending on them. I hope to sell these paintings online more vigorously after exhibiting some of them here in Colombo.
On the other hand I have cultivated a life around what I am doing. I haven't bought any new cloths or other luxury stuff since 2004. No more expensive haircuts :D No space "allocated" for marriage/family. So I can afford living like this.
I am stubborn enough to hang in there. Or you can say I am careless enough ;-) If I look at it logically I don't know how to continue tomorrow. It was the same four years ago. Best option is to abandon logic... hehehe :)
I completely understand what you're saying, Lohan. I make lots of sacrifices for my art, but it's worth it to me. I haven't bought clothes in years, either. I'm starting to think I have to buy some soon because everything I own is covered in paint..or disintegrating into rags. The little money I make goes back into my art, though. The thought of spending it on something as useless as clothes seems stupid to me. Where do I go? Nowhere, except my studio. heehee
( ... )
When I wrote it I thought this is useless nonsense :) But now I am glad to be able to share, hear other artists' stories and have a meaningful conversation about it. It is very encouraging and enriching.
Life isn't easy, and isn't perfect. I can totally feel how you feel. Stay with your goal and it will lead you to success. It is easier to be successful in staying what you are good at, instead of doing something you don't like. You are such a talented artist. After the dark, it will always a bright future! micki
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By the way have I told you lately that I adore your Coastlines? :)
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Our house has no attic, garage or basement even. So we had to build a shed in the back yard!
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First I had some money, savings. But it lasted only for a year or so. Then, I actually do very little freelance translation/writing work. I don't sell myself hard enough to get myself totally occupied with such work. Besides, I am very lazy, I admit. Sometimes people buy paintings. And I live with my parents. Without their financial support, I am unable to do art the way I do now. There were times I was entirely depending on them. I hope to sell these paintings online more vigorously after exhibiting some of them here in Colombo.
On the other hand I have cultivated a life around what I am doing. I haven't bought any new cloths or other luxury stuff since 2004. No more expensive haircuts :D No space "allocated" for marriage/family. So I can afford living like this.
I am stubborn enough to hang in there. Or you can say I am careless enough ;-) If I look at it logically I don't know how to continue tomorrow. It was the same four years ago. Best option is to abandon logic... hehehe :)
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:)
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Thanks Katie.
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micki
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