No Computer Sundays!

So, after spending way too much time on the computer each week, I decided not to turn on the computer on Sundays at all.

A whole day free from the time sink we think we can't live without. I have to tell you, that to start off with, every Sunday I felt a little lost. It isn't like I do not have a million other things to be getting on with. You would think that having all that extra time to be creative would be such a blessing to me as an Artist or even spending extra time with my family; but in reality getting up and switching on the computer first thing every morning has become such a part of my morning ritual that I felt something was missing in my day. I kept telling myself that it was ok I would get used to it but a part of me felt like something was disconnected (well of course it is, HA! HA!)


I am trying not to spend so much time on the computer in general, what did we do before this time sink took over our lives? Am I more productive, more connected? I really do not believe I am. I guess it is good exposure for my artwork but I spent a phenomenal amount of time in front of the screen and spend far less time being creative as a result. I know I need to promote to get the word out that I am an Artist and making connections is wonderful but how much time in front of the computer is too much?


Back to the comment about spending more time with my family, with two teenage sons at home, at present, they are permanently attached to their laptops and my Hubby always has his set up on the dining room table, so when I enter a room where people are in the house there is a chance there could be 3 males sitting in front of the big screen TV with laptops poised on their, well, laps. And when our daughter is home there is the potential for all 4 to be sitting there. So, last Sunday was beautiful and I dragged everyone on a road trip to the Columbia Gorge, it was a great day and thankfully hours without computers but what was the first thing everyone did (expect me?) when we returned? You guessed it, checked their email and facebook pages.


Am I just whining or do I have a point?


Happy Painting/Creating! :)

What Kind of Artist am I?

I received an email yesterday announcing a local Artist demonstrating her painting technique at a local farmer's market/art fair. My immediate reaction was, I couldn't do that and it got me thinking about some of the things that are challenging for me being an Artist.

Performing in front of an audience freaks me out; I am OK doing well rehearsed examples while teaching a class but my whole creative process is very private, a mostly quiet and a very solitary affair. I do not want to be pushed to be a performing seal because people want to see a "work in progress." Part of my creativity comes from the calm of being away from the Maddening Crowd, also, my work requires me to make huge messes before I get to the final result, it is hard to be judged by people who see the mess but not the final finished art piece, my process does not really work well in a demonstrating technique environment. But I am glad others can, so more power to them.

The other part of being an Artist I do not particularly like is marketing although it is an essential part of the whole "get out there and sell" process. If you want to sell you have to market. I was talking to a girlfriend the other day complaining that I had only sold a few pieces of art this year and had not been able to participate in any shows (due to ill health as opposed to just being a slacker or not being accepted to any :). She said, don't worry about that as long as you are having fun creating. That simple! That is one of the reasons our friends are so precious to us, they boost us up regardless just at the right time. So, I am taking heart in that statement and enjoying the creative process.

There is a nagging doubt that being an Artist is a glorified hobby and after 10 years of not making any money or even covering costs I am wondering if it is time to get a real job. I guess most artists do, don't they?

So, what kind of artist am I? A pretty typical one, I think, broke, frustrated my work isn’t seen more and would love someone to discover me!! (He! He!)

But I truly love being creative, being an Artist and a Seamstress gives me many avenues to explore and so I continue.


Happy Painting and Creating! :)

Giveaway Day is Here Again!!!!

We have a Winner!!!

............................(silent drum roll) :)

Anna from "Almost Precious" Etsy store and her wonderful blog "My Two Cents" http://abeadersblog.blogspot.com/

Congrats to Anna and I would like to thank everyone who participated, commented on my blog, went to my Etsy shops, hearted them and everyone who is now following my blogs :)

Watch out for next month's giveaway!

Regards, T.

Happy Painting!

Holiday Giveaway!

Here we are another month, another giveaway!!

Last month I gave away a small piece of original art, this month I am giving away a colourful vintage scarf just to mix things up!

To celebrate the holiday weekend and 2 of our family members celebrating significant B.Day's what better than to have a giveaway! :)

Just check out my Etsy Shops and post comments back here on my blog until the 11th; there is a big sale going on in all 3 of my Etsy Shops with huge 50% off everything, again to Celebrate!!!!

WIN! WIN! WIN! What fun!

Happy Browsing! Have a great 4th.

http://vintaget.etsy.com/ (for Vintage wares)

http://poppyplace.etsy.com/ (for Artwork)

http://designt.etsy.com/ (for Handmade items)