Keeping Faith
It hit me tonight that it’s dark now by 7:30, pitch-black dark. Time is marching on and has out-stepped me once again. I’m just at the beginning of August, ready to put my feet up on the new lounge chair I bought and sip a glass of ice tea with a good book in hand. Could the whole summer have passed with just a couple of hours in that chair?
Dear A went back to teaching today as did my daughter, also a teacher. They both had good days and both found it hard to adjust to the discipline of being ‘back’ after a summer of ‘freedom.’ I always have freedom, of a sort. I’ve worked freelance since I was twenty-six and that’s a long time ago now.
This little chap is a drawing I did twenty years ago to promote my freelance graphic art business. Believe it or not he earned me about three years of solid work with a major newspaper. He was ahead of his time. Back then most graphic art was realistic and illustrative. I didn’t have the time or skill or inclination for that. Necessity was the mother of this invention—pared-down simple art based on my love of cartoons.
A couple of years ago I gave up my business to devote myself to the work that truly calls me now—both art and writing. I’d been chipping away at it for years between assignments. Now I still have a few faithful graphic art clients for whom I do work every month and I’m grateful for the income. Recently I’ve been tempted to market myself again. Money is such a temptation. But I know, mostly, what temptation is. We get what we ask for and, at this point, it’s not really money that I want—it’s making something that is thrilling in its authenticity. Old habits die hard and raise their thorny heads from time to time.
So, tonight’s dark sky reminded me that time is fleeting and now is the moment, children grown, for me to continue to devote myself to what calls me. So what if I need to take care with money? I’m blessed to be able to respond to what calls me and grateful too. So, day by day, I continue to act on inspiration—all an artist can do. How lucky we are!
September 7th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
I’d LOVE to have some money. But I’ve now got the poverty thing well in hand. I live in an impoverished village so I’m never short of seeing people worse off than I. Don’t own a car (don’t even drive). No credit card (or credit!), rent both my flat and studio, shop at charity shops and got cash in the bank (no overdraft). Everything I need is within an 8 minute walk…EVERYTHING, v.good for the figure.
However, I think it’s time to move on. I decided to focus and ask for more and soon afterwards I was awarded a commission for 32!!! paintings. Watch this space and if anyone out there needs some money, call me up!
September 7th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
ps….I love that lil’man. I remember him well.
September 7th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Wow! 32 paintings! CONGRATULATIONS! You have moved on! And it’s interesting that it came after choosing to focus. So good!
September 7th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
About money: a long time ago someone ordered a custom dinner service from us. She said that she loved supporting starving artists. Steve thanked her, and told her that we had no intention of starving.
We have given up the idea of making things to “earn a living.” When we do that we sell our souls and instead of making art, “product” is made. So things are made that feed the soul.
The little guy is wonderful–he has a free spirit-ness about him.
September 7th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Debra, I love and appreciate your attitude! And, yes, the thing is to just focus on the soul work. True wealth.