Slogging on…..

This year I turned 65. I never thought I’d be in this situation and on the other hand I never thought I would have accomplished so much! Situation wise - I am still not working (paid working) as much as I have been which ended up with me being on benefits. The system pushes you to find paid work. I am feeling the pressure. However, the system doesn’t recognize the work you are already doing and treats you as if you are just sitting at home, doing nothing, and collecting money from the government. I don’t like that part. What I HAVE liked this past year is how many opportunities to exhibit in my home town I have been part of and continue to be part of! I HAVE liked pushing myself into bigger and greater works of art and craft. If only I had time to just spend on art - but a gal’s gotta eat, pay her bills and keep connection with the human race! All of that to say, while I feel as if I’m sloggin’ in the every day work/looking for work situation I feel as if I’m soaring in the creativity/art/craft whenever I can grab time situation. All in all - spring is actually hopeful for me this year! I thank you for your support and encouragement. These days artists and creators face more disappointment, more discouragement and more apathy than ever before. We too are not immune from the pressures of social media. The arts are not encouraged and supported in the real world. And it still is who you know, where you come from, who you appeal to that makes you a success in the art world - it’s not about talent or creativity. And yet - those of us who create - we create because we must, it’s our DNA, it’s what we do - we don’t know how not to create . Or if we do know how NOT to create it affects our mental, spiritual, emotional and physical health. We create for ourselves, for our purpose and for you! Support and encourage the arts - we need it more than ever during these times.