Hi Alana, Thank you for taking the time to read this. First, I love your dolls-- I first saw them in a magazine (I can\'t remember which one, however! It was a long time ago), and jotted your name down on a post-it note, which I just found and googled..
I'm a 40-year old, stay-at-home mother (have been for ten years) . As my youngest heads to kindergarten this year, I feel like I'm at a bit of a crossroads and I guess I'm looking for some inspiration-- Reading your bio has helped me in that. (Thank you!)
I have degrees in Business and Biology, but actually started college as an art major. I think the switch to business was in panic, and the addition of biology was my realization that I needed to be studying something interesting (which business didn't afford me.)
Because in the last ten years we've become used to living on one-income, I can finally follow what my heart whispers to me without the panic of having to pay bills-- I realize how lucky I am in that. (I'm a very practical person. I think somtimes it's a major fault.)
I love to write, paint, sew, spin wool, and just started knitting about 6 months ago. (I used to quilt, but haven't in a long time) I, too, have a love of nature, biology, and natural materials.
I wanted to thank you for sharing your story on your web-site. Somehow, it has helped me to read that you have a PhD and have now found success as an artist. While I have confidence in what I do, I still feel pangs of doubt as friends return to work in "real" careers, while I plan to take temporary, much lower paying jobs so that I can still have free time to follow a more creative path.
If you have any tips or cautions, I would love to hear them.
This summer has been preparatory for me-- I've gathered supplies, created a work space, and took a couple on-line classes (They focused on writing and the process of submitting work and getting published) On Sept. 1st, my kids return to school, and I begin to act out on plans. I have 3 areas that I'm interested in that I will begin feeling out more. (I think it is like you having ten dolls going all at once...one will feel more inspirational on certain days and that is where I will focus at that time.)
Thank you again for inspiration. I love the dolls. L.
Thank you for a wonderful email and your generosity of spirit.
I can't tell from your comments if you want to try to sell your work, or if you are still exploring your creativity.
In any case, the first thing you have to do is work. This is the hardest part, especially when you work at home. There are always chores to be done, but think of going to the studio as if you are going to work (because you are!). Be disciplined. You MUST do something creative each day. On days where nothing really inspires me, I'll do something necessary but mindless (like making 50 hands - I always need hands). This keeps me in the groove. Other times, I don't feel like any type of animal or bird is interesting and I don't want to work on figures. On those days, I'll work on texture samples (embroidery, crochet, beading, whatever); little bits that can be incorporated into clothing or bodies later. I am currently making recycled silk quilts and some days, sewing lots of little pieces or quilting is what feels right.
Do not be afraid of "failure". Remember that what looks or feels horrible or unattractive to you, will be the best thing ever for someone else. Try really hard to finish what you start. If an item is truly horrible, don't just put it out of sight. Analyze the project and find what aspect of it isn't working. Try to say 5 good things about the project (nice colors, feels soft, pretty stitches, etc) and 5 distinct reasons why it doesn't work (poor contrast, crooked seams, uneven thickness, etc.). By doing this, you will figure out what appeals to you and what doesn't.
One of the most difficult parts of being an artist is finding your style. And yes, you have one. Lots of people start out by copying someone else; I think this is fine because you will never be able to truly copy something. Just start working on whatever; its a good idea to start small. Keep trying new things until something "feels" right to you, but analyze the projects as you go. There is no way to quantify or describe the creative process. It may take a while, a long while, but you will get there. Also, keep in mind that you may find quite a few things that appeal to you. As for me, I make figures, but also quilts and jewelry.
Use what you have. Don't be fooled into thinking that if only you had that tool, or that piece of fabric or those buttons everything would be perfect. Limiting and using your resources forces you to be creative and now is the time to start getting used to it. Your most important tools are your brain and your hands - that's it. I won't argue that certain tools make the job easier or faster. For example, I do have a super snazzy sewing machine, but 99% of my sewing is straight stitch on my old Singer. And clearly, looking at my figures, you can see that there is a ton of hand work. The super snazzy machine can only do so much for me.
Read, read, read. Look at lots of magazines. Go to the library and check out the latest in fashion, architecture, gardening periodicals. There is a huge cross-reference in styles for these areas. Look at textures, colors, geometry. I have a huge notebook of little snippets from magazines and I use them all the time when making clothing for my figures. This process will also help you focus on your personal style.
I always laugh when people are surprised that I have a Ph.D. I don't know where the dicotomy between art and science came from. The process for both is identical. The skills I used when doing research, are the exact same skills I use as an artist. You should also know that I have met more science Ph.Ds (women and men) working as artists and doing art fairs than anywhere else (except in academe). So many people become disillusioned by the academic grind that they leave. All scientists are inherently creative people and that drive must be expressed in some way.
Last, do not compare yourself to other people with "real" careers. These are people who often come home exhausted after commuting 2 hours a day, doing who knows what (and often they can't even say). They complain about how they never have time for whatever, are surgically attached to their cell phones, and don't have real relationships with real people. Who needs that? Be proud of your endeavors. Respect your work.
Good luck to you. Be positive. Best regards, Alana
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