Following My Passion- Or My Life As An Artist

      I think I am extremely fortunate- all my life I have always been encouraged to follow whatever flight of fancy I possessed- to follow my passion. From and early age I fell in love with art- making it and looking at it- this passion was fostered by my parents and Grandparents who always enrolled me in art classes (even if it meant driving and hour into the city) and kept me in supplies. I have always found bliss in the mark of a pencil in a fresh sketch book, the swirls of two shades of paint being mixed together and the hush of the art gallery as you stand before a Master painting listening for it to whisper it's secrets.

    I have always felt that everything happens for a reason and to this end I can pin point key pivotal points and people in my life that led me to exactly where I am today. Aside from my parents who showed me the head of this path I have had several mentors along the way- sometimes in the least likely of places. Through out University I worked at the local marina- my boss was one of those sage people who had been there done everything- he not only listened to me but he saw me and treated me like an adult when no one else really did. He taught me the most important lesson of my life " If you love what you do- you will never work a day in your life".

    So from this early age I was blessed with the knowledge that if I did a job I loved I would never actually be working- and this has been true for the most part- I have for the most part sought out creative type jobs that were fun. This is not to say I have never had a bad day at work- oh I have- but over all I always have a good time weather I am pumping gas or sitting behind the desk at a gallery. It also helps that I never viewed any of these jobs as my career- my career is artist and I have always painted and made things on the side- living for the time outside of work to be creative and feed my soul.

    One of the skills you learn in art school is how to curate your taste- to whittle or narrow down your field of vision to only include what you see to be beautiful- beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. What they don't teach you in art school is how to have champagne style on a beer budget- I love beautiful things but will never be wealthy- I am still coming to terms with that!  All joking aside I am curating a thoughtful life in a creative manner that I feel is more interesting than anything money can buy.

     I will forever be grateful to the people along my path who have encouraged me to follow my passion- to be true to my soul. Painting, sewing, cooking, even parenting and now blogging have all given me a creative outlet to express myself in. Blogging has become a daily habit and love for me- who knew when I started a year ago I would still be here- challenging myself to be creative on a daily basis and possibly inspire others to do the same!

    If I could give the eighteen year old me any advice- it would be this- never ever go into Holt Renfrew and never ever doubt the path you are on. Oh and "Your worst day on the lake is better than your best day at the office"! As I write this I am a little hesitant- it feels like bragging- but this is my truth and I want to yell it from the rooftops- I love what I do! Thank You Universe!

     Friends today is Friday again- I am really excited to be doing an artist talk this Sunday at the Opus on Granville Island- it starts at 2 and is free- if you are interested in a few fun summer crafts for the kiddos this is for you! Life is too short for terrible jobs- find your passion- follow it- be true to yourself! Happy Weekending everyone!