This is a letter of gratitude. But also a letter of apology.
For most of my art career, I’ve struggled to achieve what is commonly known as a work/life balance.
Creating my own website was a huge learning curve and a complex, time-consuming art project for me. I’m happy to say I achieved that goal, and here it is – my website! But, working on this website took up all of my spare/free time.
So, I’m sorry to say that I failed miserably at coming anywhere close to a work/life balance.
The title of this painting is How much longer?
It pretty much sums up the countless hours I spent working on my website – and, it’s what you, my family and friends, kept asking me.
What took so long?
Throughout my entire professional artist career, I have never missed a deadline. But this new medium presented a whole new set of challenges. Deadlines were set and met, but sometimes not exactly as planned.
Not only was it like organizing and preparing artwork for a large solo gallery exhibit, it was also like going back to school. Watching tutorials, reading articles, attending workshops, taking Photoshop classes, doing tons of research, going down rabbit holes, trial and error, working on concepts and layouts…I’ve learned so much! (Thankfully, Jean Pongsai and Maia Hariton came to my rescue!)
For me, this project was not only about creating a website. It was about creating a new venture for my art.
Sorry I can only talk on the phone a short time. I’m working on my website.
Sorry I can’t do lunch. Still doing website.
Sorry I keep postponing getting together. I’m finishing last tasks for website.
Oh, Dear Family and Friends ~
While I was being a crazy artist slaving away in my studio – and also coping with life’s relentless challenges and adversities – I lamented (i.e., wrote and drew in my sketchbook) about running away from it all…taking a day off to spend time with you!
Thanks, everyone, for being so understanding and patient about my unavailability and limited time.
Help me achieve a more sensible work/life balance. Let’s get together and have some fun!