Monday, June 30, 2014

Stubborness

Something I have been accused of having. 

More than once.

Not that I care.

I think I am persistent. 

A much nicer word I think. 

But if I wasn't stubborn I might not be persistent either.

I see myself as a successful artist.  Persistent vision and working in the direction of the vision (persistently) I have of myself is so important.  You too!  You go where you look!

an O'Keeffe painting she did in college


a Pollock - a foreshadowing of his drip style

I love being a sculptor and am committed to creating the very highest quality work I possibly can.  I know that over time my work will get even better but I don't believe that today I will create the very best work I will create tomorrow.  

I don't even begin to know everything there is to know.  But - I am persistent and I keep working. 

The fact that I have begun my journey into the world of Professional Artist in a very good way and already have so many collectors of my work is something I am endlessly grateful for.  But it didn't happen by magic.

Rothko Untitled from 1940
 
an early Van Gogh - Potato Eaters
 
A sculpture sold just today!  It sold to someone who walked into Turpin Fine Art Gallery in Jackson Wyoming.  I may never know who you are, but thank you!

I don't know about all professional artists.  Do we all work hard and pretty much all the time?  I don't know.  I just know that I don't just sit around and sculpt all day. 

I talk to suppliers and research and answer the phone and correspond and network and now I blog.  I learn new skills all the time. 

Sure I'm doing all this from a home studio.  Does that mean luxury?

an early Kandinsky-Odessa.Port
 
As I am writing this, I have laundry in the washer and some in the dryer.  Oh yes.  I get to take brakes.  On my next brake I'm going to vacuum the house.  I am not complaining. 

Hell no.  And you know why?  Because I am an entrepreneur.  I get to create art and that is my business. 

I won't be successful if I don't work hard.  I figure it will take years and years of hard work to be at the level of success I envision. 

But, if I'm meant to be here for years and years anyway, why not spend it working for the vision I have for myself using the gifts I've been given if I can figure out how?
Lichtenstein-Ten Dollar Bill 1956

My spouse is supportive and that is huge!  Not every artist has someone in their life who has their back.  But if I don't do my part, his support will just be an indulgence.  

How many (successful) entrepreneurs ignore their investors?  That we are married does not make what he is doing less than that.  He believes in me and genuinely wants me to be this...sacrifices more than money for me to be this. 

Thanks for reading. 
I could go on but you no doubt have as many balls in the air as I do.
'Till tomorrow!

~Alex