At the beginning of a football game, players from both teams say prayers. At the end, they shake hands regardless of the violence that may have occurred on the field.
An election is often compared to a football game with fans lining up on both sides for THEIR team.
A lot more is on the line in an election than a football game, though. The emotions raised in the election occurring on today’s date have certainly shown how important this one is.
Regardless of the outcome, I hope that we can literally or metaphorically shake hands and work towards peaceful means of resolving conflict in the future. The rancor that has permeated the airwaves and social media of late tells me we have a ways to go.
As I post this, the polls have closed in my state of Ohio. What is done is done, at least we hope, if it was done in a fair and effective manner.
May the angels have our backs as we go forward form this point.
When I first started following Laurie Ruettimann’s blog, she wrote a post about how artists should keep their day job and engage in their passion in their spare time. She has written several similar posts since, and her guidance has been pretty consistent. In a recent post, she stated, “I think you should do what you’re good at doing — plumbing, accounting, HR — and keep your hobby as something special that cannot be corrupted by money.”
Although I have not followed it, and although it flies in the face of the recommendations I have received from artist coaches, I do believe it is good advice. Making a living as an artist and mixing your passion with the need for money is not a particularly comfortable career path.
It is possible and it is a valid pursuit, but honestly, it is not a wise choice unless you are made of some pretty tough stuff.
Laurie is a career adviser and consultant. She knows the human resources field better than anyone. She is practical, sometimes blunt, and always very sincere about the realities facing people in today’s workforce. Her advise is simple – don’t give up a good paying job that is unfulfilling at times for a dreamy life as an artist, because that life is no dream. She’s right.
I left a career of 20 years as a clinical counselor and now call creating art my full time job. It is anything but easy.
Why do I do it?
First of all, 20 years of battling bureaucracies that impeded the progress of my counseling clients was more than enough. I was ready to leave the profession, regardless of my artistic impulses.
Second, I am made of tough stuff.
I am willing to make financial and other sacrifices in order to keep doing what I do. I am willing to learn about marketing and business, and I am willing to network with people who can help me go forward. I am willing to be innovative and try things that others could not be bothered with.
But most of all, I am too stubborn about my art to allow it to be completely corrupted by money. It is a very real and constant challenge to sell without “selling out”, but I can honestly say that I have very rarely created things that were not a part of my artistic vision simply to make money.
Indeed, I have found the monetary exchange to be a creative challenge, as it compels me to go one step further to not only please my patron, but also please my own artistic desires.
I rankle at other artists who complain that artists who sell their work are “selling out”. I often think they are just jealous.
Selling out, in my mind, is making things that are below your standards or beyond your true artistic impulses, simply to make money.
Some artists do sell out, but mostly, I think successful artists have simply found a way to connect with people who appreciate their work, and they are unashamed of monetizing their creative talents.
That is me.
So, to an extent, I agree with Laurie. Being a full time artist is no Shanga La, and you may very well find that your crappy well-paid job has more fulfillment than you think.
I have found being an artist a daily struggle, lots and lots of work, and a constant re-examination of my purposes. Yet I cannot imagine myself doing anything else at this point in my life.
I do not often share about my political leanings in this space, as I have patrons and followers who come from various perspectives, and I want to respect them all. Usually my art is about non-political themes, so it makes sense to avoid an area that could be unnecessarily discomfiting for some.
I cannot deny, however, that politics are important to me as a person, and thus important to my creative efforts. Following the directions of my country and my world are a big part of who I am.
I hope you will indulge me this one post as I reveal a bit about my thoughts on the leadership of my country and the culture that drives my creativity.
I care deeply about my world. I have dedicated the majority of my career to a social service occupation (20 years as a clinical counselor). My artwork often takes on a service role in my community, as well.
I like being a part of making my world and my community a better place.
I want to see that the injustices and struggles facing people today are not there for those of future generations, and I want to use my creativity to empower people to look positively towards their future.
It is my belief that Barack Obama offers the most tangible strategies to meet that vision. His ideas and policies regarding the economy, foreign affairs, women’s rights, marriage equality for gays and lesbians, the environment, the arts, and many other issues reflect our best hope.
Barack Obama has also proven himself to be a steady and calm leader that has regained respect for our country around the world after a bruising 8 years from the Bush administration.
And regardless of party, I could never vote for a man who abused an animal, and the admitted roof-racking of the Romney dog Seamus is abuse in my book.
I made the image above back in 2008. Those were more idealistic days, but I am still a believer.
I voted yesterday to give Barack Obama 4 more years by voting early at my local Board of Elections. I did so with pride.
If you do not agree with me, that is fine. I am not looking for a fight or a debate. I just felt the need to share my thoughts, so those who enjoy my art can know what drives me and how I arrive at my conclusions.
Regardless of if you agree or disagree, I hope that you will vote, and vote early if you can. Voting makes you a part of the process, which is one of the greatest things about being an American.
I am a believer not only in my candidate, but also in my country. Exercise your right to vote and put your own belief into action.
