I hate to admit it, but I'm not always so fearless. My question is this: At the risk of sounding negative, am I too old to start an art career? Grandma Moses notwithstanding, I sometimes wonder if curators, gallery owners, etc. will meet me and think I'm too old, not cool or hip enough, or whatever, to be an 'emerging' artist. There are so may young artists out there who are ten times better with all this computer stuff than i am; how can I compete?
I'm attempting to re-start a career that I had begun several years ago, before divorce and financial difficulties forced me to change course in order to have some job security and support my kids. Now they're pretty much on their own, but I still need the day job (which I hate) to pay my bills. My husband tells me I'm unrealistic to think that I might possibly someday be able to just do artwork, but I don't know if I can survive if I give up that (admittedly slim) hope.
What do you think? Am I crazy, or just indulging in 'pipe dreams'? Do any of you ever feel this way? And if so, what keeps you from giving up?
Thanks for joining our group and posting. This is just what I created this group for!
I too am beginning an art career. It may be going against the tide, but what a ride it will be! Some days, I have to "fake it 'till I make it!" I have to listen to myself and trust my instincts. Some days, I have to imagine myself an "Artist/Warrior". It works for me! :)
Your work is beautiful. Fear not, and go for it.
Thanks for sharing,
Barbara
"What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"
-------------------------------------------------------------- My Main Blog
Please follow your heart, if you feel you have something to express by creating art then that is what to do. In my humble (and not so humble) opinion, art sells itself, it has nothing to do with the age or type of person that created it. There is no definition or preconceived notion of what an artist is suppose to be like. If someone sees a piece of art that they connect to, that is successful art, and probably will result in a sale. In terms of marketing your art, knowing how to communicate and be a professional might make a difference and being older would certainly seem like an asset to me.
I have also had to deal with financial conflicts causing me to not just make art and right now am in the middle of a job search so that I can supplement my art income because my sales are definitely down this year. The hardest part of being an artist as a full time career for me has been the unknown as to when the next sale is going to happen. If you have to do your daytime job then at least know your art creating time needs to fit into your busy schedule and make the time, and if you love it, you'll just keep doing it, because you wont be able to stop!
When I read your words, I am filled with emotion. This issue strums my heartstrings. I believe you're never too old to start an art career.
In Oct '06, I left my job as a Clinical Director at the local VNA where I supervised 25 clinical staff to be a full-time artist and to open my own gallery. I was so scared.
I have since learned tons and tons. I have learned to turn a deaf ear to people who tell me I can't do it. I study and read and absorb insights from blogs like this one. I work hard and I'm loving it.
I also think that if you want to "make it" in the art world, or at least break even, you must learn to navigate the computer world. This includes digital cameras, photo enhancing software, web pages, on-line galleries etc. It's not easy for those of us in our fifties. But it's required to sell your work. Check out our marketing group, it's full of great ideas.
I'm even on facebook I have seven friends.
-------------------------------------------------------------- Alison Vernon: Palette Knife Artist
I say follow your dream.Your artwork is beautiful and the " work" is what it's all about. I don't think when people look at art work they say" I wonder how OLD the artist is ?" Don't listen to negative people, follow your heart and go for it. On the other hand you do have to get your work out there for people to see. And with this wonderful electronic world we live in you can do that via your computer without leaving home.If you are not computer savvy find a friend who is to help you.
