Thursday, January 11, 2007

Circles on Red


Circles on Red, originally uploaded by jtorrant.

Acrylic on 8" x 10" gallery wrapped canvas, 2006.
Circles on Red is now available at my Etsy store. Click HERE for details.

It's funny how some time away from my blog makes me all bashful and stuff. (blush) Like I don't know where to begin. So tonight I'll just do some free writing, and I'll appologize in advance for typos or randomness.

I have been a focused Etsy woman. I'm going through old works I've never shown before and listing everything I have available. We've had a series of mishaps surrounding automobiles, and every penny counts right now. We got through the holidays, and it's as if our cars waited until after Christmas to act up, like "hey, I won't bother you with this right now, but as soon as you're free, I'll break down." It's just life, I know, these things happen. But these are the times that I start to feel a little desparate and I have to hold myself back from totally selling out. That would be NO GOOD and I know it, but ideas pop into my head about "everything must go!" sales or something. Yeah, no good at all.

So the best I can do is plug along and list as much as I've got and hope for the best. I have had some sales lately and that's been great. It's encouraging me to be listing as often as possible but I think I'm slowly entering the obsessed zone. What I'm doing currently is what so many part timers would be thrilled with, but I am full time. It's been the wild leap of faith I've followed through with since the turn of 2005, and it's up to me to keep the faith and not lose hope (though I must say, my friends and family have been a great support system). I am SO not losing faith, it's just the moment. And this moment will pass.

I am reminded of my parents living in Boston as a young married couple. Living off of brown rice and veggies bought fresh from street vendors. It was all they could afford, but it was also a golden time of their life. This is my golden time. Living frugal was part of my plan for this year, so it seems appropriate that life has brought these challenges to me/us that force me to act on my intentions. I can live on a budget, and I can also work towards a time when I'm not worried about money. I am finally in a place of actualizing this dream to the fullest of it's potential, so there is no way I can crash now.

Well, I thank you, oh community of bloggers that have become my late night therapists for free. And here's to a new day of inspiration, creativity and success for ALL of us!

This is the year of the artist and I'm sticking to it!

Peace and sweet dreams,
Jessica

5 comments:

Elis Cooke said...

Best of luck in 2007! Remember your work is unique... no one but you can offer it to the world! You will do fine! I went fulltime in early 2006 and although income is up and down, I wouldn't trade my life now for a steady paycheck! We are lucky to be able to do what we love! Keep the faith! Nothing like positive energy to attract all the universe has to offer!! namaste Elis.

Unknown said...

Thank you for this. I needed to hear it. Just a moment when the full speed ahead confidence was being tested, and then the voices of reason, in my mind, in the words of my best friend's email, and your reply, came together to set me straight again. Thank you. Thank you!

Cynthia said...

I noticed your sales on Etsy...way to go! I have these moments all the time and am working really hard to recognize them and move on. You have to be one of the most prolific artists I have encountered. I'm jealous....

Ever since I quit my job, frugal has been my middle name. As a young college student in the '80s, I lived on $375.00 a month (I paid rent, food and entertainment with that) Rice and beans were a staple. I don't know how I would do that now.

Somehow, I feel like you are on the cusp of something! Just keep plugging away.

Paula Manning-Lewis said...

I just love these two new paintings, heck, I love all your work!
I know what you mean about sales and doing whatever you can without selling out. It's a constant battle in my life. But, everything always works out if you believe! I will be sending positive thoughts your way!

Anonymous said...

I do hope that your cars are working better now. :) I know how not being able to get to where you need to can get to can be annoying. Your words are always inspirational to me Jess! Thanks and I hope that you have a wonderful and successful year!