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Artist Career Training helps you make a better living making art. www.artistcareertraining.com
Vol. #113 - December 2009
Share Your Creative Wealth

Digital Arts Studio



  "I was not the best in Grade 4 art class because the teacher told me I was drawing trees the wrong way." This comment in the November issue of Art Matters!  prompted the question "How did you rediscover the joy of making art?"

The short answer is that art saved my life when I was 40. Up to that point, I made my living as an educator. I was - and still am - a learning geek. Then one day, all that went away without warning. I found myself unable to read, write, walk and talk in all the ways I had taken for granted.

After a doctor's appointment, I was waiting for a friend to drive me home. An ad from the cork bulletin board, scattered with colorful stars beckoned me: "Drawing for the Absolute Beginner." That would be me! (I felt Mrs. Ferguson standing behind me.)

There's more to the story, but the bottom line is that artists Zeisha and Ose helped me find my voice again in that class. I vowed to make art the core of my life and never looked back. (And I made a series about trees that sold very well, so I dedicated one to Mrs. Ferguson.)

I have been reluctant to talk a lot about that period in my life. I was afraid what people would think about my abilities after having two strokes. But many of the artists I work with have changed my mind about that. And, although I would never choose to repeat that episode of my life, I am grateful for all the gifts it brought me.

Fast forward to joining Artist Career Training as an Artist Advisor and meeting photographer Mary Daniel Hobson. A graduate of A.C.T. 201: Developing Your Art Business, Danny is the Director of the Arts & Healing Network, an online resource on the healing potential of art.

"Arts and Healing Network honors and supports the emergence of healing artists and recognizes them as essential catalysts for positive change."
--Marion Weber, Founder

So here is the point of this story. 

I believe that the true spirit of the "holiday season" is about more than giving store bought gifts. It is about sharing what you have in abundance with others who could use a little more.

I believe that art is necessary for civilization. (And in case you missed it, read the White House proclamation about National Arts and Humanities Month:

"Throughout our Nation's history, the power of the arts and humanities to move people has built bridges and enriched lives, bringing individuals and communities together through the resonance of creative expression. It is the painter, the author, the musician, and the historian whose work inspires us to action, drives us to contemplation, stirs joy in our hearts, and calls upon us to consider our world anew. The arts and humanities contribute to the vibrancy of our society and the strength of our democracy, and during National Arts and Humanities Month, we recommit ourselves to ensuring all Americans can access and enjoy them." Read the full proclamation here. In fact print a copy for your studio wall.

I believe that making a living making art is a valid creative profession. It's a "real job." And your art business does not have to choke the creativity out of you. Here's Danny's AHN Interview with Lisa Sonora Beam, author of The Creative Entrepreneur: A DIY Visual Guidebook for Making Business Ideas Real."

"I wrote the book I wished I had when I was struggling and trying to figure out how to make a living doing what I love (without selling my soul). ...

"There are loads of examples of people who did not even start on their creative business path until midlife or retirement age. ...  when we are doing what makes us happy and makes us money, we have a profoundly positive influence on our families, employees, communities and beyond.  ... Artists are a special breed of people who naturally do work for its intrinsic value. We create because we must, whether or not there is payment involved. And that's just fine if you don't need to make a living from your artistic endeavors. ... Taking the steps to learn how to make money doing what you love is something anyone can do, if they have the appropriate role models, guidance and support. ...

"The creative process, if it is truly entered into and engaged with as a process, is absolutely healing and transformative. When we engage with creativity as a project, or to obtain a specific result or product, then we are not in process any longer. It is a paradox that to get the insights that support healing and transformation, we have to give up the idea of progress, of having neat, tidy answers. Having an understanding of the creative process is something that every artist and would-be artist needs, but this is not taught in most art schools. All you get in art school, for the most part is technique, along with a lot of judgment and comparison. ...

"Now is the time to thrive.  All you have to do is make up your mind to do so and then get the right tools and resources to help you make your vision real. A financial downturn is the ideal time to sharpen your tools, re-brand your company, take classes that help your business, and/or rethink how you can now do what you've always really wanted to do." I agree.  Read the full interview here.

And I agree with Danny: "More than ever, the world needs healing projects. May this issue empower you to bring your important creative work to fruition."

If you are not already sharing your creative wealth, please support AHN's projects here.

Thanks for sharing your creative spirit with the world.
Have an artful month.

Aletta Signature




Aletta de Wal, Artist Advisor
Author of the Forthcoming Book:  "My Real Job is Being an Artist:  How to Make a living Making Art"

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Gicl�es: Tiny Dots on Paper
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What I Learned as a Gallery Dealer That I Wish I Had Known as an Artist.
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Contact:

Digital Arts Studio Aletta de Wal
Author of the Forthcoming Book:
"My Real Job is Being an Artist: How to Make a Living Making Art"
Artist Advisor
Artist Career Training
www.ArtistCareerTraining.com
www.ArtBusinessLibrary.com
(650) 917-1225 Pacific Time
[email protected]
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