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Painter. Abstract photographer. Writer.
How'd you do it?! What were the steps that got you to where you are?
How'd you do it?! What were the steps that got you to where you are?
I started as a self taught artist. I painted at night for a few years while working in a cafeteria basement in the rural south. I didn't have much support and was very poor when I started. Then a friend told me there were colleges just for the arts. I applied, got in and they helped me with scholarships, which brought me back to my native California. Signing up for art college was very financially risky for me, so I worked extra hard in ways that I thought would help me get a job when I graduated. Art college was amazing. I went to CCAC when it was in Oakland. It worked out.
After art college I got a job making programs in arts and social justice working with community organizations in Oakland, SF, the whole Bay Area and then those programs went global.
I continued making art, have worked with many art fine galleries.
The Hard Truth
The Hard Truth
It's going to be hard. Unless you're already independently wealthy, you're probably going to work more than everyone else. The people telling you: "you should get a real job so you can make money" are right unless you really love and need and feel inspired to follow the art path. At least here in the Bay Area with current cost of living and such, it's difficult, but you CAN do it. You might not make any money at art. I went for many years in sketchy poverty, almost ten years without health insurance, scratched eyeglasses, no dentist. Hey, but I made it! You'll need to have a job for regular life bills and also have the job of doing your art. Then maybe you'll be able to make a break.
I think Patti Smith said, "Don't do it for the money. Do it for the experiences." I agree with that, in a very big way. 1 because some of us, and if this is you, listen up, some of us have to make art. I go crazy if I don't make art. It's like breathing. Like drinking water. Gotta do it. So check in with yourself, and honestly answer, "Do I have to do this?" If the answer is "Yes", then right on! Welcome to the club! Enjoy The Ride! You'll make it work. 2, is that I think being an artist really gives you a different perspective on life that others dont' get to have. You see life and experiences differently and appreciate them in I think a bigger way.
The real job is making your art. Be rigorous but keep it loose and good. Be pragmatic too, and manage your studio and yourself. Stay positive. You might make other artist friends and share resources, like a shared live work space, or tips on jobs that fit the kind of art you do. Keep moving forward and have fun!
Why do you do it? Why do you love it?
Why do you do it? Why do you love it?
That's a tough one to answer. But here, 2 reasons. 1, I have to. 2. Love. 1. I have to make art. I think there are some artists who don't really have a choice. I have to make art otherwise I go bonkers, depressed get sick, etc. It's a part of who I am. 2. Love. Presenting art is like giving someone a bouquet of flowers. That might sound corny, but when it comes down to it, I think we're all alive in this cosmic sea of positive and negative energy, so surf positive. If someone has a positive experience from witnessing one of my artworks, or projects, I feel I've steered the world into a positive direction, just a little, one person at a time.
Advice
Advice
The Muse shows up more often when you're already in the studio.
Trust yourself. Make a plan. Go For It. Strive to find the place and people who help you thrive.
Take criticism with a grain of salt, because most people aren't very good at giving it. You'll know when someone is good at giving your helpful criticism.
Stay active in your art community. You'll learn of opportunities and tips and get support from artists like yourself.
Resources
Resources
Hardware stores and dollar stores are often a great place for the same things at art stores, but much cheaper.
Watch videos on other artists, artists of all kinds. The Louisana Channel is a great place to start.
Art + Water is a new organization in San Francisco and they'll be giving free art classes and will be a great place to connect to people.
Links
Links
Google Sites
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