It's me again. I do not have anything to post at the moment but I will soon. Anyhow, today our drawing class visited artist studios throughout Brooklyn. While many of the others were bored, hungry, and ready to hop on the train home, I actually really enjoyed the experience. I admit I was a little hungry and couldn't wait to eat, but I found myself really taking in everything. Before this I had a feeling my journey of becoming an artist would be difficult, both financially and emotionally. I thought I would be giving up so much for art. After hearing from so many actual working artists, my thoughts have been somewhat clarified and I have gained some insight. I still question if I really want to become an artist. It seems as if everyone aspires to become an artist. There's so much competition. And here I am in New York believing I don't really have a chance at this, and nearly all of the artists seem to reaffirm what  I have been fearing in my head. "It's going to be tough" and "good luck"seems to have been what was rarely said but capitalized in the conversation. But I then got to thinking. Yes, maybe it will be hard and maybe it will be worth it or maybe it won't and I was wrong all along; the biggest mistake would be not to take the risk and find out. I could start all over again and do something else but I have already made the decision to not make that decision. I have committed to something without being aware of it. It is a frustrating, complex yet wonderful thing that I may one day look back on and say I was proud to experience. I was lost and afraid and found my way in the world. Or not. As long as I give it a try. I will from now on work at believing that. As long as I give it a try. Why not? Life is short, yet art is arguably forever.  And we all have some way of finding ourselves in this cookoo world, like finding that comfortable spot on the sofa or just the right amount of honey in our tea. It's like that, I am finding that balance. I am just beginning to find the beginning.

Work! Work! Work! I took this photo awhile ago (with a friend's camera since mine malfunctioned) of all of my materials scattered about. One must get messy in order to get creative!

Now this is the creme de la creme! I nearly cried when I saw this craft paper. If you enjoy vintage textiles and patterns then you can relate to my excitement. This paper bears even more sentimental value for me because it is similar to the wallpaper pattern of the hallway in my home back in Chicago. I grew up in an Arts and Crafts home that still retains some of it's original details like the hallway wallpaper. It is easy to get lost in the delicate pattern. I also bought one in a powder blue as well.  

So, I know have updated my blog in forever (I told you it wouldn't be long that commitment would slowly find itself sinking),  but I'm back. I have been so busy with everything, it's as if life has swallowed me whole with one giant gulp! This is the beautiful paper I found for my self guided project. How I used it?... well that's sort of a surprise. Nothing super exciting to anticipate but it feels rewarding to accomplish another piece. Every artist understands that immediate gratification once they have "arrived". The paper itself was a joy to find! It reminds me of a timeless Laura Ashley print. I wish I could have afforded to buy more.