Wednesday, April 8, 2009

A very serious blog

The White Dress #3
SOLD

For the last 3 years, I’ve been working full-time as an artist. It’s been an amazing journey. This has been a dream of mine since I can remember, maybe not a conscious one, but when I’m creating, it’s the only time I feel truly whole. It’s always been that way; like I’m doing what I was meant to do in this life-there’s no question.
Getting here is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Anyone who’s been in my shoes can tell you how risky this life is. There’s no salary, no benefits, no security, no unemployment to collect. I put relationships, savings, credit, my heart, sanity and ego on the line. I can honestly say I’ve given it my all.
I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to give it a go, and proud I took that chance. That’s why it’s so painful to be sitting here, filling out random job applications. We have so little time in this life, and to spend that time doing something other than what we love feels like a waste.

The last six months have been some of the best in my career, despite a failing economy. Unfortunately, everything else is falling apart. My partner has lost his job several times in the past few months, credit cards are killing me, the savings are gone and the bills are piled up. For the first time in my fiscally-responsible life, I’m faced with debt collectors, loss of utilities and the possibility of eviction. I can't take the risk of a slow month, that’s the truth of it.

Of course, I’ll never stop creating. No true artist does. Give me nothing but some straws and a pile of Easter Peeps and I’ll make something out of it. There will be plenty more paintings and shows in the future, it just may take a little longer. This is just a small detour in my journey. Right now, it’s about survival.

For those of you who have followed my progress and routed for me along the way, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Art is about communicating, and I’ve met some wonderful people through that connection. I hope my journey inspires others, even if I feel like a failure at the moment. At the very least I can serve as example.

I complete this very serious blog with an update on shows, and three lovely mini paintings. The San Diego Art Walk is in less than three weeks, and unless a miracle occurs, I won’t be able to go. Art Couture in Vegas was canceled, due to the economy. The Marin festival IS a go, thanks to all my friends and family.

I just attended a wonderful gallery opening at the 57th street gallery in Oakland, and I’m happy to have ongoing representation there. In May, there's a month-long show at Eclectix Gallery in El Cerrito, CA.

The mini paintings will be going up in price very soon, as $55 is a steal for the amount of work that goes into them. Grab yours now before the prices are raised! These new ones focus on more of my favorite foods, a portrait, a goldfish, kitty feet, and my continued obsession with white dresses.

Goldfish #6-SOLD

Figs-SOLD

Promise


Oyster -SOLD

Kitty Feet-SOLD

3 comments:

Joanne Licsko said...

Hang in there Marni, the universe wants you to succeed.
We older artist's have been through these times before. It's never easy, but it will make you tougher, stronger. It will get better, and then, it will get difficult again. So when it gets better, plan to be ready for the next downturn. Eventually, we learn how to surf the ups and downs.
I love your painting of the white dress, and also, the portrait of Billie Holiday. Great painting!





Your art is continuously growing.

suzi whitaker said...

Marni, I am sooo glad I found your blog and discovered an incredible artist!! Your work is simply divine! I know how you feel, I lost my full time art gig as a sculptor for a well known glass co, to imports, and have been struggling to try to keep doing my art "thing." Which is who I am, can't go without it. You inspired me!
Hugz , suZi

charkstudios said...

Keep on painting! I'm a single parent who recently quit a desk job and just opened an Etsy shop, but I'm now running out of money to even get supplies for my sculptures! I am now filling out random job applications too. But if I get another full time job, I will never give up the dream that one day I can do this creative stuff full time! I will keep on creating! Your work is exquisite!