I’ve always wanted to be an artist. On career days at school I would dress up with a beret and carry a paint brush. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up I would respond “happy” and wearing the artists uniform acted as a direct translation.

I worked hard academically all through grade and high school with the sole focused purpose of scholarships; I was going to further my education in the arts and it was made clear to me early in life I would be financially on my own. Life happened and family tragedies prevented me from leaving my home town and attending Mass Art. I bided my time @ community college for a few semesters, one of the stipulations of my full tuition scholarship was I be a full time student. An honest mistake by an advisor lost me that scholarship. Completely heart broken and disillusioned I abandoned those dreams for 19 years. I entered the work force, full force, making a living primarily in food and beverage hospitality. I’ve been able to support myself independently all this time and after almost 20 years I have finally given myself permission to dream again. I left steady, stable employment this past June in hopes of being able to make my visions reality.

I’m working part time at a museum, giving me time to invest in my work and make meaningful contacts Unfortunately that means financial funds are dwindling. I’m a creative at heart but my head’s not always in the clouds and money is a necessity to not only live but progress and eventually give back. As a friend imparted to me recently, “fulfillment is important but safety and security need to be the foundation.”

I am fully aware how hard it is to substantially monetize creative endeavors. I have so much to share with the world, I have to try.