just like starting over

I have recently started my own business, running an art gallery, providing art tuition, running craft workshops and after school clubs, and being an artist and undertaking commissions. All this is taking place whilst trying to balance family life, as a mum of 4 (ages 19, 12, 3 and 16months) daily life can be pretty hectic. Being organised is an obvious must as well as drive, ambition, dedication, but most of all a love for art.

The most difficult aspect of having a family and a new business is that there are occasions when things are overlooked, be it with the business, the children, or my partner, and I often feel that no matter how much effort I put in it is never enough. Spending too much time focused on the business takes time away from the kids and they in turn they begin to ‘act up’ to gain attention. This leaves me with a terrible sense of guilt. Though spending too much time with family matters and daily chores leaves me feeling anxious that I am not doing enough to promote my new business and therefore the issues of finance rear their ugly heads…especially when there are so many mouths to feed…and bodies to dress and keep warm.

All these aspects obviously have an affect on my personal happiness and, unfortunately, on my sense of humour….this does not help keep the relationship sparks glowing brightly, which, as we all know, can have repercussions in all aspects of family and working life.

So, I guess the question is ‘is it really worth it?’ is having a career in art, having a creative business, being an artist….is it worth the stresses it causes on a daily basis? My answer to this is…I am an artist, it is who I am, it is what I am, I am art, I live and breath it and without it I am not me.

Such excitement…my Gallery opens its doors to the public tomorrow. My partner and I have worked very hard and long hours to complete the gallery preperations. We are offering a wide range of services to the local community, including; art tuition, workshops, portrait service, after school club, and poetry club. We are utilising local businesses and have a high emphesis on using recycled materials.

Since my last blog on how best to 're-enter the Art world' we (my partner and I) have decided to go through the most direct route and open our own Art Gallery. This was not a decision we made easily. It is huge gamble, especially given the current economic climate. Yet we feel this is the way forward for me as an Artist and tutor. We have found and moved into new premises and we are currently working on getting the gallery just as we want it. The studio is ready and supplies are ordered. Advertising is now a matter of urgency, though we have had plenty of initial enquiries after starting a Facebook group (named Painter Paynter) and setting up a website (painterpaynter.com).

This is a very exciting time for us and we are confident that we will do well.