C4ward BLOGATHON March,Day 10

Appropriate Risks

"A freelancer is someone who gets paid for working...An entrepreneur gets paid while they sleep."

 What are some of your greatest successes that have arisen out of risks you've taken? What are some appropriate risks for you? Today, think about what are creative risks you might take in your creative practice. What risks can you take in your business? Are there risks you've taken that have led to positive change? Any that have not panned out they way you thought? If you are very risk averse, what is holding you back from making that leap? What support system(s) would you need to have in place in order to leap into that new creative or entrepreneurial space?
Artists, today is a great day to read and add your voice, feedback, support, and encouragement to one another. Treat each other with the respect you all deserve for delving into the deeper topics of your creative practice and entrepreneurial spirit.

A very long time ago I opened my own plaster and ceramic shop. This was way back in the mid to late 70's and compared to today's rules and regulations and banking practices it was very easy to do. I knew next to nothing about running a business but it was before computers when banks were on a first name basis with it's customers. I went to the bank manager at the little branch where we did our banking and showed him my plan and figures and talked to him one on one shortly I got a loan for the business and a few months later it was up and running. It was quite a successful endeavor as far as retailing goes but in doing it I learned that the money to be made was in the wholesale so after a few months of trying to do both I decided to close the  retail part and keep just the wholesale..less work and more money...Not too many years later we retired and moved out of state. Since then it has been just me and my art...

Since I do not do 'freelance' work nor am I an entrepreneur nor do I sell my work I have no back ground to write this blog. I have had offers and once I did sell a piece I did but it was like wrenching my heart out.  I love money and what it can do but I guess I just do not have enough of the desire to make money...

Mostly I just give my work away to someone I feel really likes and wants it and will appreciate it. I have also learned over the years to be selective in who I give my art to. Before I learned this some of my art went out and I wish profoundly to be able to get it back but know that will not happen. Now I am careful and selective.

I enjoy making my art and enjoy when someone says it is good but the biggest success so far as I can think now is when my grand son-in-law looked at a piece I had done in the Michael Demeng style and said.  "That is freakin awesome!"   It came straight from the heart and I loved it. This is the piece I am talking about...It is made 100% (but for paint) from recycled found 'stuff."




I have been ask to do different pieces of art on commission but have always said "no."  It just seems like too much pressure to get it exactly the way the client wants.Too much pressure and interference with the creative side of art.  I feel the same way about sewing on commission...To me art is intuitive and pressure takes that away.

I have also learned that at my age it is really hard to commit to anything long term. I guess I don't fit any of the criteria of this blog...I am not a free lance artist or an entrepreneur. I am just an artist who works at having fun!

Here are some photos of a favorite art doll assemblage I did in 2011

Here is her front with corner of box cut out to give room for her  her heart which is a little whizzy wag my grandson brought to me.Her body is a cigar box, legs and feet are salt and metal pepper shakers and arms are attached with a very long screw with wing nuts on both ends.

When you open the box you will see her spine made of a spiral from an old notebook, Her family and great grandparents photos depicting her roots and the little steampunk doll which is her essence.

A close up of her essence which is probably my favorite part of the assemblage.Her head and hands are airdry clay and her body is made of leather scraps. She is held together with nuts and bolts...

This is her back side showing my grandparents ...more of her roots

Last but not least is her face and head showing the Yin and Yang of her being. It is cloth drawn and painted and glazed with a spray gloss. Her hair is folded cloth with stick pins used to attach it..








This is why I enjoy making art...Not to sell, not to promote.  Just to have fun doing what I want when I want.