For the past year I have been creating art on a daily basis. I find a bit of time every day, perhaps two hours, more likely half an hour, to focus on my artwork, drawing, painting, something creative. I also started taking printmaking class again after ten years out of the classroom. And I post on Instagram my artwork progress each day, which makes myself accountable, to myself. Interacting on Instagram with like-minded artists really helped me to continue to work on my art, especially on those tough days when all I wanted to do at the end of a long day is curl up with some hot tea instead of drawing. A little animal critter drawing or a simple botanical painting could be all I have the energy to accomplish, but it was something.
Finding a balance between being a mom and an artist can be challenging. So I found that including my son in my artwork or asking him to help (with ideas and input) has been a great way to combine the two. He asked me to draw me giving him a hug. I drew a sketch and he loved it. Later on I made a linocut from this sketch idea and many moms who saw it were moved by it. For all those moms out there who find it hard to get back to their art, I would say, it takes time, but even taking a small amount of time will be worth it. And as a result of me showing my son my artwork, he really enjoys seeing my artwork and art in general.
When I organize my artworks over the past few months, I am amazed the amount of diversity and mediums I have used. I'm so glad I have spent a little bit of time each day to pursue my interest. It is like training for a marathon, or any long-term skill. Each day I work on my art, even when I did not really feel inspired on a daily basis. After a year or so of getting back to drawing, painting and doing printmaking, I can finally feel comfortable with art again. Of course there's still room for growth and I keep my daily practice routine.
I'm currently showing works in two art shows in Woodstock, NY (at the Woodstock School of Art student show, and at the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild members' show). I also have a number of pieces available at the Emerge Gallery in Saugerties, NY. I have another few projects in the works, including a children's book I will be publishing as an ebook. All of these events would have been impossible to imagine two years ago before I started my journey.
For me, there are a million reasons and excuses not to create art each day. But I show up to work. All for one goal: to be a better artist. Do I create a masterpiece every time? No, because most of the time, they are only practice pieces. Every artist has artworks they would rather keep in storage. I can see many imperfections in my artwork, but I still keep them and know they helped me. Without the willingness to make many mistakes there can be no improvement. Each day and every drawing is a new footprint on my path towards better art.
