Grateful Heart

For about a year I’ve been struggling with my art. I love my art. I define myself as an artist. I have lived as an artist for at least 7 years. Then last July my step-dad was diagnosed with throat cancer. Since I live within blocks of the cancer center, it was an obvious decision to ask my parents to live with me while he went through treatment. 

As a single mom, I had a lot on my plate already. Add a sick parent, doctor appointments, scheduling, and all of my other responsibilities, my time in the studio quickly began to slip. I have learned that if you don’t have set hours at a job, it is easy to let time slip away not working. A few months later I found myself in a position I had feared. I was broke. 

I closed my art studio, packed all of my paintings and supplies into my dining room, and went back to the corporate world. I felt completely and utterly defeated. It wasn’t long before I wanted to paint again. Now, balancing a full-time job and my son, I have had little time for my  art over the past year. I’ve had those little moments of panic when I feel like it’s slipping too far away. 

Very recently though, I have refocused. Sometimes it takes getting knocked down to stop us long enough for us to refocus on what it is we’re doing. Now I’ve reset my sails and the winds of change are blowing. 

I’m making baby steps to make my art an active priority in my life again. And this week has filled my heart with such gratitude. I am moved to tears by the fruits of my labor. This week I have sold 12 paintings. This would be the product of 2 exhibitions, a weekend showing, a tv appearance, and marketing efforts. This week has been much needed lift to my spirit. I feel like I know I’m moving back in the right direction again. 

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