An Artist's Thoughts....

As an artist I put myself "out there" for the general public to like, appreciate, and hopefully purchase either for themselves or as a gift. Essentially I, and many others like me, create from within ourselves for others to enjoy and to find meaning in our creations to enhance their lives. Oh, yes, we do have other reasons or else our basements, garages, or attics would be full of our creations. Those reasons usually include earning money either to afford our passion for creating or to subsidize our income.

When someone purchases even the smallest item it also makes me feel like someone cares about what comes out of my brain and heart and helps me feel like what drives me and that my creative passion is worthwhile and has some value in this world.

In the years I have been doing bazaars, craft shows, and more recently the Jefferson County Fair, I have had one day where I went home with an extra $1,000 in my pocket and at least one day where I sold nothing.

Today I'm asking myself "Is it worth it"? Is it worth sitting and smiling and saying "Thank you for stopping by" for 10 hours to go home with $29 in my pocket? The answer my friends is 'blowing in the wind'. I don't know.

It is hard lugging boxes of my precious creations, setting up a booth, and eventually re-packing my boxes for the trip home and eventual storage. I get anxious before each show and so, so tired. Again, is it worth it? Today I do not think so. Oh, I'll honor the commitments I've  made for this year but after that I'll probably sell my supplies and take up reading more. I'll always draw for me but just little things that when the time comes my children can toss out. I'll take my drawings out of the frames and sell the frames and store the art in a box so it won't take up so much room.

I started this blog last night and thought I would feel differently today but I don't. I feel almost certain that today will be the same as yesterday but there is always hope, isn't there?

Janie
www.ZenArtWorks.com