Being an Artist

I remember when i first decided i wanted to be an artist, but at the same point I had been all along. i remember as a kid, drawing on the walls of my closet, so i wouldn't get in trouble from my parents. And this is me being really little. They didn't find my extensive drawings, like uncovering cave paintings, until we went to move when i was in 4th grade. Luckily, i didn't get in trouble. I realized in high school that the only class i cared anything about was my art classes. Hell, they had to make up special classes for me to take. I had many advanced independent art classes. Granted this allowed me a lot of freedom and to be able to roam the school or go smoke a cigarette in the woods. But mainly, I got to make art. If only I could just avoid my gym classes, which i tried many times.

I remember telling my parents i wanted to go to art school. I knew that is was all or nothing. I wasn't doing something half assed. I wanted the real thing. My mom begged with me to consider a liberal arts college. Now why would i want the same exact thing as high school. I didn't want to take those type of classes again. I wanted to be fully embraced in art. I wanted to be surrounded by like minded people. I wanted to have teachers who influence me.

I loved college. I loved having a class for a solid 6 hours. I wish i still had that. I love critiques. I love the facilities. I loved my school, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, which i went to for my freshman and senior years. I also went to School of Visual Arts in NYC too for my sophomore and junior years too. I know, i know.... what the hell right? I went originally for Illustration changed schools, then changed majors, then found i had to stay an extra year, changed schools cause you don't have to declare a major.

The one big thing i would say that sucks about art school is they definitely don't prepare you to meet the real world. Artist Statement? What the hell is that? How do i approach galleries? How do i price? Answers! I NEED ANSWERS! There really needs to be a class on the business of art. i found this out afterwards at future jobs, where really bad artists got lots of money to make their art. I will need to post about my past jobs soon. That will be for good reading.

But here i am. Making art, working and have had a great opportunity to be able to work in the art world. I have learned a lot about how it runs and now i need to take advantage of it. It's all about who you know, confidence and assertiveness. You can't be shy. You have to be aggressive. Or quirky. But know who you are, know what you do and don't waiver. Go with your gut instinct. I wish someone had told me that when i was younger. Like maybe 10 years ago. So whoever may be reading this now.... heed my advice and learn from my mistakes

I guess i must be sadistic and crazy. Must love to torture myself in trying to create and stay creative. But all in all, it's always what i wanted isn't it? I want to use my hands and step back and say- hey, i made that. I love being able to say that is what i do. I do not have a boring job. Granted it drives me nuts on occasion, but that happens no matter where you are. But it's an adventure. I will figure this out and consider is a journey. Bumpy rides and smooth sailing. I will just go for the ride and take in the view.