Ahhhhh...finding a balance. That's what it's all about for me, too.
Mostly what it means is MAKING time for myself to make my art. Five
years into teaching I realized I had done NOTHING to foster my own
artwork/creativity since I began teaching. Sure, designing a program
for my students was creative and rewarding, but by the time I took care
of my family, worked up the next demo/lesson, did household stuff, etc.,
there was only time to go to bed and get up and do it all over again.
It took so much energy the first five years, as I had never taught
before and I had to come up with EVERYTHING. That fifth summer I went to
Arrowmont School of Crafts on a fluke and a scholarship. I was starving
to make my own art. I actually cried like Queen for a Day when I got
there. I made a vow (20 years ago now) to NEVER let my own creativity
and artwork die off the vine again. I devote the whole summer to my
art. I also plan at least 3 or 4 hours a week for my own art now.
Usually on weekends, but sometimes on weeknights. It has helped me to
set up a studio at home where I can conveniently do my thing when I have
time. It also lures me. I don't have MUCH space, mind you. I share a
study with my husband who is a writer. I make jewelry on one side, and
he writes on the other. I do a lot of digital work and make cards that
I sell on the computer in there, as well. I have the messier part of
jewelry making at school. I teach jewelry to my students because I want
to, but also it helps me to justify having a studio there in a corner of
my classroom. I just keep it roped off from the younger kids. THey all
respect my space. It's not the most convenient way to have two studios.
Often I am lugging something back and forth from home to school. My
kids enjoy seeing me work as a productive artist. I have made headway
this year on production, as it is definitely up from last year. I even
got another tax number this year. It is a challenge to find time, but
if you make it convenient enough for yourself, you'll have a better
chance. Summer is truly MY time, though.
