Early this morning, I reached my goal for my Kickstarter Project Reclaiming Vintage Hankies. I now have over $4000 pledged. When I started the project, I didn’t really know what to expect. It could have gone so many different ways. So I want to thank you all for your support.
Thank you all so very much!
It’s an interesting and emotional thing to have so many people give me money to reach this goal. It shows a belief in my work and in me. The idea of Kickstarter itself shows how many people want art, in some form, in their lives.
And I was thinking about all the practical uses of the money I’ll receive. Like allowing me to buy a new sewing machine and buy hankies and other supplies and pay Kim to help me assemble scarves and potholders.
But it does something else too. Something that traditionally was the role of government grants. It gives me the time and space to create. Suddenly, I felt the pressure of having to make money every day lift for a while. I actually saw an emptiness full of possibility. A vast light filled space without devoid of the restrictions of time. Like taking a conscious breath during a really stressful moment.
Since I started doing my work six years ago, I’ve never even dreamed of such a situation, where the edge of necessity was replaced with desire. And it’s not just about the money, but about knowing and experiencing a different reality. And I’m ready for it. I no longer want “need” to push me and guide my creativity. Not any need outside of myself anyway. I now know I have enough drive to keep me creating for the rest of my life. And having some breathing space to do it fills me with the joy of having landed in my creative life.
Congratulations! That’s an important list of accomplishments!
It changes everything! Congratulations, Maria!!
Thanks Luanne
God bless you, Maria. No! Let me restate…GOD HAS blessed you. Whether one is a believer or not…makes no difference. You ARE blessed and I’m absolutely tickled pink to watch you GO and GROW. Keep reaching for the stars, my cyber friend! You’re there! So happy for you and for all you are and will in the future accomplish!
Cheers!
Jennifer
Thanks Jennifer.
Reading your post is as every bit as beautiful as your Art. wow ! Congrats !
So very happy for you Maria!
You are blessed.
On the picture is another fairietale, Snow White, not the Walt Disney version. Some little girl would love it as a pillow. To bad all my grandchildren are grown. Can’t wait to see what you will do with it.
I’m going to look up the story of Snow White and see what it’s like compared to the Disney Version I’m familiar with. Thanks Uta
I just don’t get it. If you simply call yourself an artist, you can ask people for money? Then you can make stuff and sell for more money? Unreal. With so many people unemployed and using food banks, or barely living from paycheck to paycheck, or going into debt to provide a home for their families…you get a new sewing machine and Jon gets yet more camera equipment. Poor people need a kickstart not you guys.
Susan Kickstarter is for artists to use for creative work. Like grants that the government gives our or used to give out, they reinforce the idea that art is an important part of life. And worthy of existing. This doesn’t take away from what other people need. It’s actually more democratic. When we pay taxes we don’t get to choose where our money goes and the Government spends it where it wants. People who choose to give their money to Kickstarter are choosing to support artists. Many of those same people may also be giving their money to food banks and other organizations that help people. It doesn’t have to be one of the other.