It's a pity my art career never took off

Post Reply New Topic

That would have been a nice job, I suppose. I could have worked by myself most the time. High class women might have drank wine with me in upmarket restaurants. I could have been a socially acceptable eccentric. Artists seem to get away with it. Still, I'm not exactly Monet or Van Gogh...



Anyone else interested in art?

Whoops, the image didn't load in the first post.

According to Wikipedia Van Gogh was also a failure during his lifetime, but he was born into a wealthy family and was supported by his brother.

I'm very much into art. I did do it as a job for a few years - just part time when my son was pre-school. It was really good fun but the business, tax and accounting side of things was quite difficult.

BTDT: You are aware that Van Gogh killed himself, right? At the age of 37. Poor man. And his mistress, a prostitute did, too. I hope my life isn't as sad as his!

Jo: Ah yeah, business, tax, accounting - what a tedium that must be. What specific kind of art were you involved with?

Hi there, I'm an artist.

It's not as glamorous as you think.
And it's extremely rare to make enough money to live on.

What they don't tell you is that many "working artists" nowadays
have some kind of financial support,
such as a spouse with a full-time job,
inherited money or retirement savings,
a full or part-time job,
connections ... to help by providing cheaper supplies, a studio, etc.

Have I accomplished things in the art world?
Yes.
Have had my artwork exhibited in art galleries and museums.
Have a current exhibit in a public government building.
Have an active online store.
Have sold through consignment shops and at craft fairs.

Have I made much money being an artist?
No.

Right now, I have a day job,
and am looking for a more permanent one.

In any case, I believe I'm meant to continue being an artist.

So if your art career never took off,
go back to the old drawing board,
and try again, if you like.

Wishing you the best!

...

Hi.
It is never too late to change horse. Are you making a lot of money now - as it is? Are you satisfied?

I was trained in art myself and have been a teacher, but after years in our dumb social system - not allowed to control my own life - I sort of came away from it..... but I´ll be damned if I don´t take it up!
I´m re-arranging my life now , so it will be MY values - not the demands of the job-centre - that make my wheels turn.
I´m 63, but I must consider what to do with the next 30 years

Think it over. What have you got to lose?

Jensen: I don't work anyway so I haven't got much to lose. I might give art another go. I need inspiration to strike though.

Jo: Your art is great. The seagull with the sea and the girl looking at the floor are my favourites. I can feel strong emotion from them.

I like the drawing done in ink.

Jo! Your work is wonderful. I feel like I could get lost in some of your more abstract work.

Nice work!

Maybe you could go to a local art show and sell your work. You could show people your work and get an additional source of income. I took a watercolor class and did surprisingly well. I was reluctant at first, because I thought I would have to draw a picture freehand, something I can't do. We traced a picture and painted it. I have painted fruit, flowers, birds, cats and even did a painting of one of my favorite tennis players, Denis Istomin.

My Family thinks I should go into GFX design. Specifically Editing.