An Artists’ life
It seems some collectors are interested in the artists’ life. How artists work, what their studio looks like… their habits. I think we are all creative, that my life is just like anyone else’s, and find it hard to believe we would be of interest. (With that in mind, I will try to make this interesting!)
I am always trying to make individuals and the collective similar, versus different. I see professional similarities: artists have deadlines, commitments, managing their career path in a competitive environment. Focus, dedication, perseverance, attention to detail; allows for mastery of your career, and brings clients back for the rewards of a timeless piece of art. The only professional difference lies in the perspective: managing a business or being an employee, but remaining motivated and disciplined regardless.
My life filter of “OOoh, that’s interesting!” is what I rely on to keep me engaged with my work. If I demand a constant feeling of interest, I will either seek it out when needed, or let it flow through my work when it exists. I paint when I’m “on”. Since painting is a happy daily habit, I am cranky when I’m not working. I listen to high energy music during rough drafts, and quieter more relaxing music when I am finishing, or needing more focus.
My mornings are generally informing my work: reading, writing, organizing, meeting with clients or colleagues — which often inspires me. By afternoon I am engaged in the act of painting. The balance of rendering/producing vs. writing/reflecting the choice of subject, the intent is constant. I can flesh out a work quickly and have time to review. Layers of work complete a final piece that I’ve had a month to review. There is always time to reflect and find meaning and purpose in your work.
A piece of paper and pen is all you need — is something I always remember when discussing glorious gothic windows and a gleaming hardwood floor for studio requirements. Painting and selling work since high school, I was used to working in small spaces. Previously my live/work studio at the Calgary Grain Exchange, last year it was my kitchen wall. Now I live in a quiet community neighborhood, and 600 sqft dedicated studio space definitely helps with production, being more organized and saving my marriage.
Being a mom dictates my routine. Part-time daycare allows me a full day to concentrate, or have meetings. I work from home, which allows me to add a layer of varnish after picking up my children, or before I drop them off. It also (hopefully) gives my children an introduction to my business where they can pick up habits and routine.
In my studio, they have their own easel, toy box. When possible, I work on projects that require shorter periods of focus (exuberant rough drafts, varnishes, organizing, administration, website) when they are around, and leave the intense focus (final finish, working out drawing/painting problems) for when they are napping, or in daycare.
They sit patiently in car seats, underneath 6 foot canvasses packed in the minivan. During deliveries they mimic me on the phone “BremerPark, Karen speaking.”. They ride their toys around the studio commenting “Nice painting mom!”. When I was painting a portrait they ask “when are you going to paint me?”. They remind you that running a business can only have so many overtime hours. Balance, time for friends, family, and life tasks; building a rewarding life is the big picture, the successful career just a piece.
Like running your own business, you have only yourself to complain about. If you don’t like the work environment, job, the income, you sit yourself down and have a one-way conversation. Karen (employee) and Karen (sales, marketing) bring their suggestions to Karen (director) to decide on how to manage tasks. Gossip and office politics, are minimal — I live vicariously through others.
I pursue mastery of rendering, a high level of authenticity, paintings that have personal meaning for myself and collectors. Commissions, different subjects increase my rendering skills, as do galleries, pop culture, and my memories. A mastery of technique that aids the emotional connection between painting and viewer. I persevere, and hopefully will look back on a series of successful decisions in my lifelong career.