Since being asked to leave my last job (2nd worse experience of my career…and last) I’ve never been happier. I am now a Fine Artist and making an income. I don’t have a boss. I enjoy every day of the week, not just the weekends. Mondays are my favourite day of the week. I’ve never looked back. I have never doubted my decision and I have no regrets. I will never return to the Advertising industry.
At 50, finding an employer is difficult. Sadly, in a lot of cases, age is a discrimination. Being over qualified is not an advantage. When I decided to take a Gap Year I was pretty nervous as to how I would still get an income and pay two years of private school education, a mortgage and every day living expenses. Its not a decision that one takes lightly. I had to do whatever jobs came to me. It meant getting dirty. But, I did it and I am still doing it. Some days my body hates me. Its about survival and my parents taught me these skills.
Friends send me links to Graphic Design positions. I often wonder, do they think what I currently do isn’t ideal and that returning to my original profession seems the most logical thing? I always thought that once you had a profession that was that. To change it was something only the strong could do. It never occurred to me that I could be that stronger person. Until now.
Taking up Sculpture again was exactly like taking up bike riding. I jumped on and rode away. Lots of mistakes were made, through every piece a lesson learnt. I have now reached the most critical part of my ride, finding a style that expresses who I am. Creating a visual isn’t easy. Its something that you can’t simply pull off. I can’t download if from my head into an Sculpture Creating App. Its not like an advertising brief when you know what your client’s target is. It works or it doesn’t. I have had many pieces smashed down and rebuilt. I’ve had cracks and failures. Failure is a vital part of progression and growth. Research, drawing, visiting galleries, finding like minded artists and learning from others is an essential part of forming the relationship between myself and a block of wet dirt. In the early mornings, when I run a wire through a piece of clay, “Swoosh!” my skin tingles. The gritty sensation on my finger tips sends messages to my brain. Searching for the answer to turning a shapeless form into something of beauty, of character, a representation of a single thought in three dimension that provokes and moves. As I work the clay I wonder…where is this coming from? Me? It’s the craziest feeling, and looking at my work at the end of the day I think to myself…is this really me?
Its a long way from where I need to be. I have all the knowledge and tools that I need for the next phase, luckily my background provides the answers and solutions to being a successful fine artist. Patience is my weakness, perseverance is my strength. Knowledge is a work in progress.
I recently read an article from an Influencer. He built his life from nothing and from his experiences he shares his successes. His life is simple and realistic. Possessions aren’t important. I relate to him in many ways. I believe that if you really want it, then you can get it, even if you don’t have any support, its possible. Working a job that you despise for the rest of you life is not living!
Dreams do become a reality. With hard work and a lot of sacrifice, and doing the things you’ve never imagined yourself doing, you can take it. The only person stopping you is yourself. Go get it.
Great sharing!
Thank you Blair!