When art takes a backseat to life

     When my youngest and third child went to school all day for the first time I jumped back into serious painting.  As a former graphic designer and digital illustrator I just didn’t see myself going back to the computer. I had created and sold a lot of abstract art years ago, and felt it was something I never fully explored. Part of me felt like a kid again, playing and experimenting in my studio and not thinking too much about where it was going. I reflected back on my old work and I was really just making art for art’s sake and seeing where it lead me.

     However, another part of me felt guilty that I have this gift, yet so many recent years of my life had gone by where I didn’t create very much. By the the time I had my third child I just… stopped. Even the commercial work. With two young ones at home I was just trying to get through the day. I’d get out my supplies now and then to paint, or create things with the kids, but I definitely lost a part of myself. 

      I can look back and question why I didn’t make more of an effort to paint on a regular basis.  I can think about how if I had kept up my website and joined Instagram before it was popular maybe I’d be further along right now. But I didn’t. I can question all these things, but when I look back I figured there HAD to be a reason it just wasn’t happening. I simply just didn’t have the mental energy to do it.  So I can look back on this full of regret, or I can tell myself this was a very important time in my life in other ways, and at 43 I have many years ahead for my personal goals and dreams. In fact, I feel more ready than ever to create art and continue my journey. 

     So don’t feel guilty if you take a break. You’ll still be an artist tomorrow.