woman at train station and blue waves...

hi everyone!

I'm linking this to Illustration Friday,

another weekly challenge that encourages art.

The word for this week is: HURRY!

:-)

It's always so inspiring

to see some of the fabulous work there...

(this is mixed media - acrylic on paper, charcoal, micron pens.)

I've made a conscious decision in the past few weeks

to spend less time on the computer,

and more time with art.

I am determined to make a decent living as an artist

if it kills me, dammit. 

:-)

A few posts ago, I wrote about  how i believe

it takes a lot of courage to be an artist. 

It also takes hard work.

It may look easy,

but it's not all sparkles and rainbows.

Besides the naysayers

and the awkward feeling of never fitting in to society,

some things may happen sometimes

that cause us to question

the value of our own work.

In the past few years,

I've sent my work to several magazine publishers,

and have been rejected.

I've sent my paintings to a juried show -

rejected.

I've sent my writings to book publishers -

rejected.

I've sent more paintings to another juried show -

again, rejected.

I've sent paintings to a gallery,

rejected,

just in a more chi chi poo poo kinda way. 

;-)

See where the courage comes in handy?

In addition to courage, it also takes

perseverance

and hard work

and determination

and vision

and confidence

and clarity

and patience.

Yes, above all, patience.

Chocolate and wine don't hurt either.

;-)

I am comforted by the fact

that many successful artists and writers

had their walls plastered with rejection slips

at one time or another.

I am also comforted by the fact

that I know this is where my heart belongs.

I know this is my truth.

This is where my love lies.

And so, i will carry on -

regardless of who likes or doesn't like,

regardless of who approves or not,

regardless of sales,

and i hope that those of you

who are struggling sometimes,

all do the same.

If it means getting yourself a part time job somewhere

to allow yourself to keep creating,

do it.

You'll find a way.

Keep making good work.

Keep sharing it.

Your art needs to be put out in the world...

because that's where it belongs.

Your songs need to be shared

because that's how they become songs...

Don't die with your songs

still in you.

He who has a why to live for

can bear almost any how.

Nietzsche