our goals were the same. it’s how I met Amanda and Jim before I met anyone else in Seattle’s art world! I think people knew me as a writer before they knew I was an artist. but I am so happy to have met you too, and glad you’ve stayed in Seattle!

After returning to grad school as an older student to be closer to my mother when she was dealing with breast cancer, I made a concise decision that when I graduated my professional life would be art related. Period. No more general retail or construction or food service UNLESS it was art related and I enjoyed it. So upon graduation, I searched for related jobs (notice I said jobs) that would allow me to pursue my passion for producing art. And at age 37, this wasn’t an easy decision at all. I figured that if I was going to live off of very little, I might as well be happy making this small amount of money.

I now have a studio in Pioneer Square in the TK building and am also the Commercial Space Manager for the building. I also teach for Pratt and Seniors Making Art, plus private lessens. And I continue to make my own work. I pay my own bills each month, I apply for every grant and exhibition call that fits my work, I do studio visits and lectures for small stipends and I even still do a little construction if it falls under an art cause. It’s a lot of work- a job- but I love every minute of it. I am constantly looking for the next step.

Now before I continue, you should know that I was lucky and ended up in a relationship right before grad school ended that I am still in which allowed me to even take the first step towards doing my own work. It was the most vital part of my story I would say. I made a deal with my partner Michael that if I took the leap to make art full time, I would help with things around our home that would generally cost us money or things he was already paying for. I cleaned the house weekly (I suggested we get rid of the house cleaner he already had), did home repairs, built fences, landscaped the yard, cooked inexpensive meals at home more often, etc. I needed to do this to feel that I was providing something to this household instead of suckling off it. I also gave up a lot of things I had become accustomed to plus I refinanced my student loans to be reflective of my actual income instead of an estimated income to reduce the amount (which costs me more in interest each month, but it helps me with finances). I didn’t go out drinking weekly, I watched how my money was spent, I used the materials I already had to start my studio or found free items to work with. I struggled even though some thought we were rich because Michael worked for Microsoft at the time; if that were only true! I made a specific choice because I love what I do and can’t image my life without it again.

I guess what I am trying to say is that no matter who you are , your financial stability or what situation you are in, the idea of making your lively hood out of art is really about realizing the art making process is a job. A 50-70 hour a week job. And if that doesn’t sound pleasant, than making art as a hobby to add pleasure to your life might be a better idea. It works for many people I know who don’t really want to do it full time, but they enjoy the process of art making. Many artists quite frankly seem to idealize the idea of being persecuted because they feel the old masters had to do this. This is not me… I would rather eat! But what some don’t actually understand is that many reputable artists in our World histories did general work to offset their real art habit. They were graphic designers (poster designers and painters/printers), sign painters, portrait producers (in styles they hated) and such. And they didn’t “make it” until well after their deaths.
Finding a job that adds to your creativity is crucial in my opinion. As is an attitude that you are successful, even if it is only success in small amounts. To actually “make it” in the art world is most likely something that will never happen to any of us… including me! But if I can produce work, be involved with the local and national art scene, get some exhibitions, sell some work, get some grants and enjoy the journey… in my eyes I am more successful than anyone I know, because it was my goal to do the things I love.

Some people might think this post is elitist, but it really is how I live my life and I whole heatedly believe it. And after I made the decision to take the “full time step”, things started to fall into place with a ton of hard work, long studio hours and dedication; even after Michael left Microsoft and the economy tanked, leaving him unemployed for almost 2 years.

I am very thankful that at age 40, it’s working for me. And in my own head, I am very successful.

Thanks so much for writing this piece. The opportunity to curate was incredible, and seeing how other artists interpret a theme is a truly an amazing experience. Look forward to your show SOIL!