Tickets

I have started this blog every day for a solid week.  It is unlike me to have words fail me. (I seem to always have plenty to say) I honestly didn’t know what to write. (Or maybe how to write what I needed to say) I certainly have pride in my business, pride and honor in having helped other artists show their work, gratitude in facilitating workshops and socially conscious events, gratitude in being able to pay it forward, pride in the art that has been “adopted”, and the spin-off adventures I have taken (Greetings4Good!)- and well, you get the idea, right? These are some of the good things I am celebrating today! 

In recent times I have discovered that balance is in order. I began this business shortly after losing my mother,  I was working full time, had a house full of young adults, and did my best to work almost full time at this business too. That was a whole lot of busy! I didn’t know how to slow down, there wasn’t time to! As I navigate my journey, I recognize the need for balance. 

Balance has always been a challenge for me. I think in some weird way that is a strength, I try not to do anything halfway. I am all in! Working hard has never been an issue. What I have learned is you don’t get any trophies for ignoring your personal and physical needs.  In fact, it ultimately interferes with your goals.

As I navigate this journey, I recognize that a full cup isn’t a luxury it is a necessity. Throw in a few health challenges,  and a few million commitments, and heck- you have a recipe for a completely new perspective. 

That said, today, I am celebrating my anniversary AND balance! I am going to share some of my favorite art and items on social media. If you want to bring them home, or even send them as a gift, please comment! I will invoice you, and send them out early next week! (or make arrangements to pick them up at my studio) There may be a surprise or two included! (Not to mention this fancy magnet I made just for this occasion!) 

Thank you for supporting me. I would have not been able to navigate the particularly hard times (covid etc) without you. You have been with me throughout the seasons of this business, and I am so darn grateful. 

Sending you so much love, 

Susan

There are many theories on pricing artwork, it can be confusing to navigate. Historically artists undervalue themselves. The public cements this by suggesting that because we love what we do, it should be discounted. Make no mistake WE WORK HARD! I would argue that our work, like any other, deserves compensation.

So! Sharon Jeter who has worked with artists in the past is coming to Central Creatives (where my studio is located) to share her ideas on pricing and help artist price toward their greatest success! The workshop is a mere $20 – there is a bit of homework too!  More information can be found on Sharon’s site. (click on Sharon)

It seems like a blink when I reflect on the past twelve years. As stated in a previous post, I have spent a great deal of time analyzing where I started, where I am, and where I want to be. The past twelve years have been under my personal microscope profoundly for the last few months. I felt that a decision needed to be made. Change was in the wind. While this is without question a heart lead business, I have also tried to make sound business decisions. With as objective of a view as I could muster, I would say that there are many moments to celebrate. There are also many challenges that I could have handled better. Many of those became lessons, some of which I had to learn more than once. (insert smirk here) Isn’t the image always clearer in the rear view mirror?

The Oxford dictionary has this to say about success:

 

1.

the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.

“there is a thin line between success and failure”

Oxford isn’t kidding, there is a very fine line between success and failure. 

 

Create Art 4 Good has grown into many things. I believe the logo being a tree seems to be perfect. (who knew?- I thought I just liked trees!) When I reflect on the growth of the past twelve years, that alone seems to be a reason to celebrate. Today, I believe there are more reasons than just my growth as a human, a businesswoman, and an artist to celebrate. 

 

They say that humans are drawn to their vocation. It is often what you love to do, what inspires you, or perhaps what you are curious about.  However, the road is not always clear. Sometimes there are detours, or the path is not linear as the road map for life is rarely easily found. Sometimes what you “thought” you should do, is just a vehicle for what you should actually do. This isn’t to say that your original goals (or business plan) were wrong, only that you have grown, and perhaps even accomplished what you set out to do.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

 I have grown. I have loved the past twelve years. The adventure, the surprises, even the challenges, as well as the opportunities – these have become some of the greatest joys of my life.

I know that year thirteen will be an adventure. I know that even though I LOVE to plan things, this year might not have a strategic plan. I might just have to take one day at a time. I might just need to follow my heart. I need to explore my life and business with tenacious curiosity. Perhaps that is the real gift here. 

 Speaking of plans…As part of my anniversary celebration, I decided to create a mixed media heart every day.  There are multiple reasons for this. Some of which is the ability to spread love with my art. Hearts are love without the need to have a common language. Another reason has been to return to the practice of art every single day.  I have been in the practice of art for my entire life(or as long as I could hold a utensil of creation)

Oh, but life, gets in the way, doesn’t it? They say we make plans and God/the Universe laughs. As you may (or may not) know, I recently had a hospital stay for a heart issue. This took me by complete surprise. I have always felt as though one of my gifts was the ability to love and love fiercely. However, for the first time, I felt like my heart was literally broken. When this happens it is scary. I felt like couldn’t trust my body. I felt like I was not on steady footing any longer. 

The heart, both literal and figuratively has been a central theme in my life, and in my work. So, I decided to stick with “the plan”(even though I found it completely ironic) and create a heart (or more) a day. In the end, it has been just what I need. It has been a time to heal. Time with nothing too pressured, and time to prioritize.  (love begins at home, right?) Even though technology has not been my friend,(that’s another story) I am able to post a heart or two a day and share my love.

So yes, the last twelve years have felt like a blink. I look forward to the next year, two, or more and the adventures we will share. Thanks for your love, for sticking close, and for sharing my journey. 

The best is yet to be. 

Sending you so much love, 

Susan