An example of trust: I was momentarily crushed that I did not get into the Hudson River Exchange show, but I quickly got over it and life went on. Last week they emailed me with a last minute space. I politely declined, as I was juggling many shows, and knew that I would be crazy to try and pull it off. And what happened this weekend? It was a rainy cold mess. Imagine setting up and breaking down in it, and then sitting for two days under a tent. Nope. Been there done that, too much for me.
Another example of trust: I have been struggling with my finances and the fact that in order to make my Rhinebeck studio profitable, I needed to be teaching 5 days a week as it was in a poor retail location. I left that life of full time teaching, and want to make art and only teach a few days a week. I had intended on keeping my studio open until the end of September, after the Dutchess County Open Studio, but when I talked to the director and said that the ONLY reason I was staying open until September was due to the Studio Tour, she said "if you are serious and want to be taken off it, tell me now, and it will be done before the brochure is sent to press." I made a quick, but not rash decision and told her to take me off. I gave notice to my partner that I would be out by the end of July.
So here I am. I have taken leave for the summer from the only job that gives me a small paycheck, and now I am closing the space where I taught - but taught for free as all the money went into keeping the studio paid for. I am looking at a great big wide open space of time to create, but have to figure out how to bring in some cash.
I am looking to rent space by the 1/2 day or hour, and am open to the options. Churches, stores, other studios, libraries.
I have 3 shows in the upcoming month; the main one at the Starr Library in Rhinebeck, which is a show of both my and my student's work from July 2-30, with the opening Friday, July 10th from 5:30-7:30. Two of my abstract works are at the Art Bar's July show "Red White and Blue", opening Friday, July 3, from . I will be in a group show in Albany at the Capital Repertory Theater Gallery from July 8th-August 26th. I am awaiting word on another show, and will be submitting to two more local community galleries.
So all is well. I will survive. I will figure out how to bring in some cash, but intend on using every moment that I can - living life and making art. The garden is starting to produce, I have a library card where I can rent all the movies for free that I want, I won't be driving all over the place, so I will save on gas, and I am throwing myself out to the universe and saying SHOW ME THE PATH.
So stay tuned...as I strap myself in for the next ride!
Photo: Resolution: Pastel, ink and graphite on paper. At the ART BAR in July.
Frame size 10 x 20"
