I've got a couple journal pages to share today. Before I get to the meat of this post, I thought I'd warm you up a little bit with pix of pages I did this week.
Here's the full page. Fun colors and definitely Summery looking. That oval black tag is actually a chalkboard sticker label by Pink Paislee. Thet are thin, but they I thought I'd give them a try. Fun to use!
Here's another journal page. Squinting your eyes isn't good for you, so I'll just tell you briefly what I wrote about on this page...
So, the other day at a party, I was asked what I "do". As in...for a living. One gal had just told me she was a teacher, and I asked where and what she taught. This I suppose, prompted the whole "what do you do" discussion. Anyways, I said I was an Artist. The gals at the table all just looked at me. Some of the gals at the table have known me for over 15 years, thought obviously not very well.
I went on to say what I do...you know, get more specific with them because just saying you are an Artist obviously wasn't getting me very far.
I was a Mixed Media Artist. I taught and sold things online, and host art events, and teach all over the country.
...Crickets...
They all just looked at me. I felt so small.
Granted, I live in a smallish city...suburbia style...but most of these women were educated. I don't know if they just didn't know what to say so they said nothing...or what. Whatever the case, it left me thinking that I lost them in my delivery. I SHOUlD have been more enthusiastic. I certainly should have been more confident when I spoke those words.
I love what I do. I am so grateful for the audience I have, the friends I have made, all that I've accomplished over the years in my field. So why do I drop the ball everytime someone (non-artsy) asks me what I "do"? I am still trying to figure that one out, and work on it.
How about you? What are your thoughts on the subject? I know it's a hard one and artists struggle with it all of the time. I'd love to know your thoughts on this issue. Maybe I should just say I'm an art teacher. They'd ask where...and I'd say on your computer and in big cities. Hmmm...that'd send minds into a spinning frienzy. Hmmm...don't want that. So...what to say? What to say...
Some people just don't get "art" in general you know? They think it is a waste of time or just... strange. BUT...we know better! Art is life, it is joy, plus it's just fun. Don't let those people get to you. We "see" you and we love you! Jodi B.
Posted by: Jodi B. | June 24, 2011 at 10:34 AM
I too struggle with this, even though I have a full time administrative job - that certainly isn't who I am. What truly defines me is my art and sharing it with others. I find it difficult to talk to non-artsy people about my artistic passion as they truly don't get it.
I agree don't let those people get to you! You have inspired me in so many ways, to break out of my shell, to attend Silver Bella and to pursue my artistic side. Thank you.
Posted by: Sheila R | June 24, 2011 at 01:22 PM
Theresa please know that what you do is wonderful...I have been following your blog for some time and have taken a couple of your online workshops. You have given inspiration to more people than you will probably ever know so please be encouraged. Hugs, Marie
Posted by: Marie | June 24, 2011 at 03:07 PM
Teresa, I know so well what you mean. I studied fine art at university and then graphic design at college, took portrait commissions, then I had my own mural painting business and even with all that I still have trouble telling people, let alone myself, that I am an artist! There's a certain amount of vulnerability that goes along with it. Since art is so subjective, I feel like I am opening myself up for criticism. Also, by announcing I am an artist it almost feels like I am saying I am more 'talented' than the next person. Which I certainly wouldn't mean to do. :0 So, I totally understand where you're coming from. I don't have any advice though, maybe just practice saying it at every opportunity and eventually it will feel right. :)
Posted by: Angie | June 24, 2011 at 04:07 PM
I like what you said Angie. And yes YOU are an Artist. Those are my daughter's majors in college right now, but more towards graphic design. It'll be interesting to see her take on it all in a few years when she is working. Maybe a freelance artist is a good name for you and I. That comes with several connotations, too, though!
Posted by: Teresa McFayden | June 24, 2011 at 04:31 PM
Oh Marie, you are so kind. Thank you dear girl!
Posted by: Teresa McFayden | June 24, 2011 at 04:31 PM
Hey, Jodi. Sometimes I want to blame our U.S. society for not teaching more art in schools. In many circles of our lives, what gals like us do isn't considered that worthy and is strange to some, I agree. Yes, we DO know better!! xoxo
Posted by: Teresa McFayden | June 24, 2011 at 04:33 PM
Hi Sheila! At least we have a strong inner circle of people who compliment us and understand each other in our online circle of friends! So grateful for that!! xoxo
Posted by: Teresa McFayden | June 24, 2011 at 04:35 PM
Sounds to me like you spoke the truth when you said you were an artist. Don't do anything differently! You inspire people to create and that is a gift. If they don't get it, too bad for them. Hang out with the people who get you! I'm thankful that you are here and that I can enjoy your art and your teaching!
Posted by: Susan | June 24, 2011 at 07:54 PM
Oh boy do I feel you on this one ;) I use to be a full time accountant/controller for over 25 years and I got to the point where I "hated" my job. Unless I was setting up a new business...where I could be somewhat creative I just had enough! I'm good at it and mainly because I love all the details and making it all come together. So when I was laid off 2 years ago in a corporate takeover I felt it was a real blessing. SO now when people ask me "what I do" I tell them I'm a DESIGNER...artist just throughs them all off so I learned to tell them I was a blogger and multi-media designer. It works...I no longer get the blank stares and uncomfortable silences in social situations...lol
btw...I blogged about your eworkshop today since I've been working all week in my Summer Art Journal ;)
http://con-tain-it.typepad.com/love_shack_studio/2011/06/lovin-it-in-the-studio-summer-art-travel-journals.html
Posted by: con-tain-it | June 24, 2011 at 10:08 PM
teresa, you are correct about art in the schools. it seems to get short shrift. so to all those left brain people, the right brain people should just say "ppfff" and know that we understand each other. be assured that WE know you are good. <3
Posted by: cynthia | June 25, 2011 at 03:23 PM
I guess if you had just said 'I am the bomb," which is true, they would have been even more confused, poor dears.
You rock.
Posted by: marian | June 25, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Can't believe an ARTIST as accomplished as you shares these feelings with me - a stay home Mom/hobby artist w/ aspirations of someday taking it to more than a hobby. I don't feel I'm an artist (yet?) but I do recognize the urge (need, really) to express myself through creating art. Color, pattern, texture - they all just make me happy. I love getting messy and simply making things by hand. It is a very strong force. Maybe that is the part that people don't get about being an artist. Perhaps artists don't create just because they can but because they just have to. I thank you for all your artist's talents and have so enjoyed your e-courses myself for a few years now. You are a most wonderful ARTIST!
Posted by: Jill | June 26, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Teresa, I am amazed that someone as talented as you still has to explain what you do to others. I sometimes am embarrassed to tell people what I do as though it isn't good enough or they will think, "Who does she think she is saying she's an artist?" It totally is a confidence thing with me, but it helps to know that even someone like you still has to explain it to people. Thanks for sharing this with us.
xo
jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | June 26, 2011 at 10:55 PM
Aw, yes, Jeanne...you are sweet to say that, but I think a LOT of artists struggle with their professional identity in a group of people who aren't "artistic". I agree...it's a confidence thing!!
Posted by: Teresa McFayden | June 27, 2011 at 10:05 AM
Marian, you are sweet to say that. You are the bomb, too!!! :) Thanks for helping me lighten up about it all and for the smile!
Posted by: Teresa McFayden | June 27, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Hey, Roberta...yes Designer is a much better way to define what we do. Good thought process behind that...thank you!!
Posted by: Teresa McFayden | June 27, 2011 at 10:08 AM
I really appreciate you sharing this story...
"Artist" means so many different things to different people and they may not even known what to say or ask as a follow-up. The other thing that crossed my mind is a lot of people don't understand the things creative people do online, so that could be confusing, as well.
You are most certainly blessed to be one of the gifted few who make money doing something creatively and artistically! Lucky, lucky Sweet You! I'm grateful you share those gifts with all of us!
Posted by: Julie | June 27, 2011 at 04:10 PM
SO gorgeous.
Posted by: Lori Anderson | June 29, 2011 at 06:35 PM
I recently posted about some mixed-media tags I 'm making for Karla Nathan's swap on my blog (http://www.themagrag.com), and my sister read the post, and later asked "why did you make those? What do you do with them? What are they for?" Trying to explain a swap to her was next to impossible. She's known me 57 YEARS and still questions why on earth I do the things I do. Some people "get it" (like the other crazy ladies excited about the cross-country swap with kindred-spirit "strangers") and some people just do not. I enjoyed this post of yours and all the insight offered in the comments!
Posted by: maggieraguse@comcast.net | June 29, 2011 at 07:39 PM