Diving Into Surface Design
I am embarking on a new career path!
Or more accurately: I'm returning to an old love and ready to make a serious commitment for my Right Livelihood.
I have always been involved in the arts in one form or another - acting, costume design, fiber arts, bead weaving, mosaics, and many other creative pursuits. I have always made my living with a patchwork of artistic skills, including many years of arts administration as the executive director of the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.
Over the years, my administrative skills became my default profession. So I've been working as a freelance bookkeeper for organizations, businesses, and individuals over the last several years.
Recently however, I came to an important realization:
I am sick of spreadsheets and financial reports!
Here's the backstory: In 2015, I discovered The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors in Wappinger, NY, and began attending their art workshops and the monthly series they call "Art Church". CoSM re-kindled my creative flame once again and I began drawing and painting for the first time in years.
It was at an Art Church gathering in 2016 that I first saw someone drawing on an iPad with an Apple Pencil. I was fascinated!
Seeing the spark and excitement I had for this technique, my dearest Tem Noon immediately put his old, cracked iPad in my hands to explore this new realm. For my birthday that year he gave me my very own shiny new iPad and pencil!
I downloaded lots of drawing apps and taught myself to create in this new virtual studio. I even put some of my designs up on a print-on-demand site called Zazzle. I was delighted to see my art become practical things like leggings and tote bags. But alas, the sales were not enough to pay the bills so I kept doing bookkeeping to make ends meet.