18/52 Self Portraits: Art as Work

The life of a working artist is that of work more so than art. How is this possible? I have quickly learned, as of my decision to be of the business artist sort, that being a working artist tends to place a lot more emphasis on work, sometimes much more than art. I have come to fully believe and understand that to be successful as an artist, you must be a successful business woman. I find myself frustrated often that my time is spent behind my computer answering emails, writing, organizing, planning and less and less time is spent on creating, making, imagining, playing. But the joy of being a working artist far outweighs the burden of tech, administration, decision making and emailing. So, here's to making art and running a business that support one another, hand in hand, to create in me a working artist. Here is to one day finding balance in the two: art and work. Here is to growth and gratitude and learning and making. Art is work and work is art for the working artist.52 Portraits is a photography course in self discovery by Vanessa and is hosted through Get Messy Art Journal. The course is a year-long journey in using photography and words to turn your reflection inward and capture who you are at this phase in your life. Learn more and join the course here. See all of my portraits here.