Being an artist is not easy. Throughout history, we have seen that a lot of artists are recognized only after their demise. During their lives, most artists are considered martyrs or mad men. As a profession, art is not taken seriously at times and everyone advises artists to choose another path because that of an artist doesn’t lead to anything. Families are torn apart because of art. Artists are doomed to follow a path of incessant suffering and failure. But if it brings all this negativity, why do people still choose to be artists?
I believe it has to do with what is described as Big Magic by author Elizabeth Gilbert. The need for a human being to create. Living a creative life does not have to equal suffering. We can choose to sink into a depression after our failure or we can choose to keep creating because it is embedded into our being to do so.
Since I was a young child living in Mexico, I was touched by inspiration. I do not know where my desire to create came from since I had no art education until moving to the United States at age 10. Perhaps it was seeing my father build our house from the ground up and daydreaming as I watched the clouds go by from the roof of our house, that inspired me to create. I have also noticed that everyone in my family is creative in many ways. They are creators. They build things with any materials they have. They are resourceful. I owe them for inspiring me to work as hard as they have.
Seeing the world around me so beautiful and clear moves me. I used to keep a shoe box filled with some art supplies and watch a short on TV that taught me how to make little crafts. In fifth grade, I started taking classes and I remember being so proud when my woven basket made it to the show at the mall. After that, I continued to take art classes all through high school. In college, I was advised to pair my Fine Arts degree with a teaching license. It was wise of me to do this and at the time I thought I wanted to be a teacher so it worked.
My advisor urged me to get a Spanish degree as well, since Art teaching jobs are scarce. So I did this, knowing that I did not want to teach Spanish. But I always want to be prepared for anything. After working two years as an Art teacher, I felt so drained. It wasn’t because of the kids (as many people assume), it was because of me. I needed to create and this job was not allowing me to do so. It was one of the hardest decisions in my life, because of the pressure to make money and to not be labeled a quitter.
The next day after my last, I felt such happiness. I spent all day painting and every day after that for a few weeks. I had been neglecting my creativity. It wanted to be released, let free. I feel so free creating everyday. Not caring about what anyone might say or think about my decision. There’s no point, my love for art is greater and triumphant.
Starting my art business is an amazing feeling, to be able to build something from the ground up makes me feel important. This is a new journey in which I will be learning many new things. The Creative Life is one of learning and growth. So I embark on a journey and you’re invited to come with me!Â