I came home from my part time job this morning and opened up the Wendell Berry book that was on the table next to my chair to the poem “Independence Day”. I admit I’ll have to read the poem again, the only part that resonated was the title. I quit my job today, so maybe I was looking for some reassurance in the poem that wasn’t there, or maybe I’ll get it tomorrow, or next week, or next year.
I’m both nervous and excited about leaving this job. It was a sense of security for me. A dependable paycheck and benefits. The job marks a period in my life. I got it when I was at my lowest, at a point in my life when I didn’t even know I could get an apartment or a job or take care of myself. Today I told the people I work with it was time for me to move on. I felt bad leaving, but everyone seemed to instinctively understand.
I plan on working on my art full time, starting the Pig barn Gallery and working with some friends at a Gallery in Glens Falls. I’ve never dedicated myself so fully to my work. Even when I was in school, I was working a couple of jobs and could never figure out how to incorporate my work with my life.
Being in a creative and encouraging relationship definitely helps and may be essential. Actually, I seem to be surrounded by people who understand, maybe better than I do, that this is the right move for me. They are all but saying “What took you so long.”
Of course, ultimately, it’s me who has to make the decision and take responsibility for it. Right now, I feel like a snowball rolling downhill. The more I do, the more I’ll do. The more energy I put into it, the more momentum I’ll build. I think I came to the point where the part time job became a place to hide. You can’t fail if you don’t try. But I don’t believe failure ever comes from creativity, it just leads to the next thing.
Moving on is a good thing, Maria! Much good luck and blessings in your new adventures!
Luanne
Go for it, Maria. I am pleased for you and you are right about an encouraging and creative relationship. I have lived in one for 50 years. People you are with have to be good to you, and more importantly, good for you!
I would like to own one of your potholders, so I will have to see if I can do it by using another credit card, other than Paypal.
I anxiously await seeing more of your creations on your blog.
Good luck, Peg
Maria….you’ve taken the leap, and now you will find that you can fly. You GO, girl! Many blessings to you in doing your life-work.
Well done Maria! May you have many happy hours doing the things that you love with the people and animals that you love.
Good for you Maria, a courageous move I’d love to follow. Good luck, so glad to be able to follow the adventure on your blog. Mary Ann
love your email address, we should all be queenprincessbaby!
Congratulations, Maria – a big step in your creative life. Many years ago, when I was a young mother with little children, I joined my local chapter of the Embroiders Guild of America. I think the most important thing I learned from this wonderfully creative group of stitchers was to consider my time stitching as art, not just a hobby, and not to feel guilty when I did it because I wasn’t stealing time from my family chores, but enriching myself and making myself more able to deal with the stresses of everyday life. To not just do it while grabbing a few moments at the end of the day, but to live it, to make room for it, to have a special chair and light that was dedicated to this expression of my creativity. While I couldn’t always do that, I did take to heart what they said, and try always to realize that my needles and thread, and yarn, and fabric, are just as much about art and creativity as someone who works with paints, or sculpts, or throws pots, or writes, etc. Fiber arts are not always as appreciated as other forms, I think, which is why I love going to the craft centers in North Carolina when we vacation there, because there seems to be a tremendous appreciation of what is involved in fiber arts. Many good wishes as you approach all these exciting new endeavors.
what a wonderful message from the Guild and that you were able to embody it, thanks for sharing.
Contratulations! It’s so inspiring for me when an artist has the courage of her creativity. May you be truly successful.
I look forward to seeing the new directions your art takes in the wake of ‘Independence day’. Best of luck to you!
Congrates on taking the big step. You will never know if it will work unless you try. Besides what’s the worth that can happen? You will do just fine and you not only have the support from Jon, but all the people who love your work.
It is my husband’s nickname for me 🙂
Sounds like the part time job was a good place to build your confidence that propelled you into trying something new, and creative. I know you will be fine, buttressed by the adoration of your fans, Jon, and your Glen Falls creative community! Congrats!
Congratulations on making this decision, Maria. It’s difficult to leave a job that has given you security but it also shows that you are trusting your instincts that now was the time to leave that job and move forward. Now your independence will inspire even more creativity. I see great things coming out of your studio!
sheillagh
Hi Maria – Reading that you quit your job reminded me of a favorite song of mine by Michelle Shocked called “Flying Lessons”: “Oh, Best Beloved, with a little bit of patience and imagination, we learn to fly/ Now, hold out your hands, spread out your fingers/ See how they are feathers and your arms are wings”. Good luck with your new full-time life as an artist. You’ve done the right thing. I love Rita and you got that expression in her eyes just right!
Maria,
I know it feels like a huge leap. However a leap of faith is a wonderful thing to take. Your work will propel you on a marvelous adventure. I love your new potholders and your Rita quilts. I see great things coming your way. It is amazing to be in a relationship that is so supportive ofyou and your work, with new ideas always popping in.
Good luck with all in the new year!
Good for you Maria! I am happy for you, and wish you much success and contentment in your new position: full time artist”