Follow Your Bliss

I have wanted to be an artist since the 5th grade but didn't know how to make it a reality.  The only information available to me came from my elementary and high school art teachers, but still limited.  As a senior in high school I made the decision to go to college to study art.  My Dad was a working man so I was a bit hesitant to approach him about my future plans.  The panic in his eyes was apparent after informing him I wanted to go to college.  I know he was mentally trying to figure out how he was going to pay for college. Although, the mention of grant and loan opportunities calmed his fears somewhat. Though his panic intensified as I said I wanted to study art as he had no clue how I could support myself in art.  Quickly I threw in the idea of teaching art which seemed to satisfy some of his worries.  The truth is that I had no interest in teaching at that time. Despite his qualms, he supported my choice 100%.

Looking back on that conversation I wonder how I would have reacted if Dad had rejected my plans.  Luckily this did not happen.  Every day I remind myself how fortunate I am to have a very strong support system from my entire family.  Every dreamer needs support from those they trust.  But with or without a support system, art is still a difficult field to follow. I knew it would require hard work, determination, and sacrifice.  I consciously made the decision to forego marriage and children to follow my dreams of being an artist.  I have to say many did not understand but I did not know how to "have it all".  I do have great respect for women who have succeeded in this feat.

As an artist I was creating art, learning about life, and I was a happy little clam!