Seeing as I am a writer, I am much more confident in communicating through written works. When it comes to face-to-face interactions, I do my best. I try to listen, have a sense of humor, and display compassion. And that works pretty well… until it comes to talking about myself.
All those questions! The most difficult of which, “What do you do?”
I can usually get through that one with a confident, “I’m an independent grant writer.” But sometimes…. sometimes someone gets me good, “Are you an artist!?” They ask it with such enthusiasm and genuine interest and somehow my answer is rarely confident. “Well….” “Uummm…” at best I squeeze out “I’d like to think so!”
But then comes the question I fear, “What kind of art do you do?”
“Ummm…. I’ve made some jewelry.
and did some photography this winter…” 
“And well… I used to draw.
The Axis. Graphite. RP 2003-2004.
And in high school I painted…”
(I don’t even have photos of any paintings!)
All the while in my head I am waiting for the person to say, “Yeah but, what are you working on NOW?”
“Nothing.”
“But why?”
“Because… ” (and continue with a list of excuses)
I’m tired of the excuses.
I manage a gallery, but have the least amount of work displayed there.
I coordinate creative art classes, but don’t share much of my own creative talent.
Sure, I’m scared and hesitant and busy and reluctant.
But I need to start making it a priority.
Because I am a artist! (I’m sure of it!)
I dream of a point in my life where I say, “Oh I can’t do that today, I’ve got something planned for this afternoon…” And then cut to me working in my studio, on a piece of art.
I could do it.
It could be a priority.
I could pick up a paint brush and get started.
I could let go and play.
I could work on something everyday, if I wanted.
I just need to make the choice!
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