A Career Update

Artists are always faced with a question: How much pressure should I put on my art to support me? It’s amazing to pursue your creative passion and simultaneously make a living from it. But that also comes with complications, such as feeling obligated to churn out new work even when inspiration isn’t readily at hand. The art can suffer when we put too much pressure on it, sadly.

I’ve gone through some intense dry periods in making art for the past year. I’ve been pushing myself hard to make more paintings to keep up with demand and make ends meet. And I’ve been in danger of losing my spark for painting along the way.

At the same time, I have recognized a different need in my professional journey. Here’s a little back story. For the past year, I was involved in a volunteer committee where I brought a very different skillset to the table. My formal training is in business and project management, and through serving on that committee, I realized I missed using that side of my brain. (Fun fact, before making art full time, I worked in the corporate world for twelve years.)

So I began to wonder, is it possible that I may be able to do something in the field of business and/or project management and keep making art at the same time?

After exploring some options for the past few months, I’m excited to share that I’ve started a new part time job where I'm doing just that. The consulting organization I'm joining specializes in leadership coaching, team building, organizational development, and fostering diversity, equity and inclusion. My title is Chief Coordinator and Project Manager, which basically means I'll be doing anything they need me to do. :)

I'm excited about contributing to a team that is working to make our world a better place. There is additional part time work on my radar as well, which I'll share more about as it becomes solidified.

What about the art?? Don't worry, I am dedicating time to making new art over the coming months, and I look forward to sharing it with you. As I take the "pressure off" my creative process, it will be exciting to see what new work will emerge!