Sian Thomas shares her first blog from her website, silkmillart.com. It's great to have her as a Living fromArt member as she begins her journey as a full time artist. Thank you, Sian, for sharing your story.
So, here it is, my first blog, the impetus for this being my decision to make a momentous life change. After 18 years of working for the NHS as a mental health occupational therapist the stress levels have become intolerable. Therefore I have decided to give up the day job and start pursuing my creative life full time. I have dreamt of being able to do this for the past 30 years but the need for a regular income was greater.
I don’t really know how to write a blog and I’m not much of a wordsmith so this, along with becoming self-employed, is going to be a steep learning curve. I will need to master the art of marketing, book-keeping, budgeting for a business etc. Two things I don’t have a problem with are time-management and motivation to paint, so I’ll be ok in those departments.
My intention is to return to running classes and workshops once the Covid restrictions allow. This is something I used to do many moons ago and something I’m really looking forward to having the opportunity to do again. I feel that it will be beneficial to my own creativity, as we learn from every creative experience, but it will also be hugely beneficial to have regular human contact as working alone from home could easily bring out my hermit tendencies.
My feelings over the few weeks leading up to this moment have been a mixture of fear, excitement and impatience. I felt as though I was waiting for the next chapter of my life to begin, the chapter that I’ve always hoped will be the most interesting, enjoyable and fulfilling. Now that the moment has come, and I’ve left behind the security of a regular wage and burned my bridges I’m somewhat terrified.
I hope you’ll join me on this adventure; it’ll be less scary with your company.
If you fancy joining one of Sian's workshops check out her 'teaching' page at silkmillart.com
Do come and see her work, and work from 11 other members, at the Living from Art exhibition 2-5 June at Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham
If you are thinking of making big decisions about your career as an artist, and want some support and encouragement, do find out more about what Living from Art membership can offer. Further details of both on the events and training page or ring me on 07747032912 if you want to know more
Anna Poulton
