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| Amantha Tsaros, Twin I, 12x4", ©2011 |
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| Amantha Tsaros, Twin I, 12x4", ©2011 |
The astute, no-excuses art biz coach, Alyson Stanfield, posted a question on her blog today asking artists what our day jobs are.
I love her question. It made me wonder how others manage their two work lives. Is one of the two jobs a secret?
My "day job" as a mom used to be a secret. I felt that people familiar with my art work would not take my art seriously if they knew that I spent so much of the day wiping noses and bottoms.
An old friend of mine is impressed that I am an artist. You know, an Artist with a capital "A". I was told I am "really being an artist. Not like those women who have kids that dabble but aren't really artists." My friend knows that I have a BFA and an MFA from the School of Visual Arts and that I have studied with "real artists" that I have had work published, shown and critiqued by some stern judges. Even knowing my background and seeing my work ethic first-hand, there was doubt that I could still perform.
On the contrary, after having children, I am more committed to art than ever. I do everything I can to squeeze every minute out of my day. I get up early to paint before the kids get up. I stay up late to write and work on invitations and applications. I know other artists who have children and work. We don't talk sippy cups or potty training. We talk materials, marketing and frames. We know very little about the kids behind the scenes.
Although I am no longer afraid of letting it slip that I have kids, I am concerned that I will automatically be dismissed out of hand as not being serious.
Should I keep it quiet? Does it matter?
I think you are right, it is a difficult place to be. You want people to know that you do have a lot of responsibility but it sounds like an excuse in a weird sort of way.
ReplyDeleteI might say "I actually have two jobs, I'm an artist and I'm a full time mother. It's a balancing act, but I have to paint, it's my passion.".
On the other hand, sometimes I might just keep it secret...I'm torn.
You're right. I hate to sound like I am complaining.
ReplyDelete