"I always wanted to be an illustrator, and so I am one."
-- Tasha Tudor, "Take Joy" interview
Happy Tuesday!~ It's been a really busy past few days! It doesnt help either that my gal and I have decided to bring out the Christmas decorations. I just couldn't stand it any more! It's time!
These past few days I've been thinking about what I'd like to make of the coming year. I suppose we all do this at this season. It's a time of reflection and regrouping. Taking stock and seeing what's working and what's not.
I've been thinking a lot lately about my writing-- a skill of mine that I love, but has often taken a back seat to art. When I was little I would sit for hours and draw and write. They went together so perfectly to me (although at the time the drawing and the writing were so far from perfect) and I wonder if I should do more with that.
Tasha made a career out of not just her pictures, but her words. Although I've read that the words didn't come as easy to her as the pictures, it is still impressive that she was able to move so effortlessly between illustrating other's stories and illustrating her own.
To be honest with you, this year hasn't been an easy one in regards to doing shows. There is so much build up to creating a backlog of art, setting up booths and paying fees, and of course putting in all the time and effort and money. I didn't sell one original painting this weekend, after three days of doing my best and putting together what I thought was a pretty lovely booth. The fellow sellers and the organizers of the show were wonderful to us. But the people....they just walked on by.
It's easy to get down-hearted about this, but I'm wondering too if this is subtle push in another direction. If things were going swimmingly with the show aspect, I probably would have a hard time finding it worth while to shift focus. But in this case....
I am hopeful. Tasha was always so sure and focused about what she wanted to be. Perhaps it's time I took some of that and started down some new paths. Are you with me?
Happy Tasha Tuesday!~
Heather
4 comments:
Aw, sorry you didn't sell any originals. I hear it's hard at shows lately. I really miss doing them myself(I haven't had a chance in a year or two),I know it's a lot of hard work.
That's a good point, to take a look at what we're doing and what or where we should do /go next...
I can't wait to see what you have in store...
Have a great Thanksgiving :)
Oh Heather, I am so sorry you didn't sell any originals at the show. I think it would be wonderful to combine your art and writing - perhaps illustrate and write your own children's chap book? The Adventures of Audrey! I think you would do wonderfully at whatever you set your mind to do. Hope you and the family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Theresa
Heather I am right there with you. I also have not done as well as I had hoped this year after putting an enormous effort into painting and crafting. I couldn't afford any booths this year so I relied on Ebay and Etsy.
I too used to make up stories as a child to go with my art and I was so happy doing that. Maybe it is time for a change. I know one thing for sure....you have to follow your heart and not give up no matter what. So many amazing artists and writers had to pay their dues for years before being recognized for their work. 2011 is going to be my year to find my passion and it will be yours too! Now lets get going!!!
Tina xo
Heather, this has been a bad show year for me, too. You know how much I love your art, so the idea of you not doing it as much makes me sad. I honestly think you might be too awesome for Tulsa. That's not just me trying to be nice. I don't really do that. ;) Have you looked into many galleries? I wonder if that would be a better fit for your originals.
Also, I was going to suggest writing and illustrating a children's book, too. That would be awesome! I can't imagine not writing. I don't do a lot of creative stuff, but that's because I write for work 40 hours a week already.
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