Dreams...

When I was a kid, one of my favorite things to do was talk with my best friend about all the things we would buy if we found trash bags of unclaimed money. Neither of us came from affluent families, so most of our fantasies revolved around quelling what lacked in our lives. I grew up in an old, wood-framed orange grove house, wore "vintage" before vintage was cool, and rode around in vehicles in various states of being rusted out. So naturally, my daydreams involved how many nice homes I would own, how many nice clothes I would wear, and how many nice new Lexus cars I would drive.

I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have whatever I wanted. But nowadays, my daydreams are more grounded in reality. I don't think my dreams are diminished now, just more informed. For instance, I love my apartment (and dread the thought of moving, especially so soon after having moved in), but one day I'd like to own my own home. I know now that it won't be fancy and will require a lot of work, if it happens at all, but it'd be my very own. Perhaps I was poisoned by too much Gone With the Wind, but the idea of owning land is very appealing and I have hope that one day, (probably many years from now, if at all) it will be a reality.

As far as owning a closet full of fancy clothes, I think I've outgrown that. The work I do is conducive to paint splatters, glue spills, and resin leakage... and the idea of walking around in frock and finery just doesn't make sense to me now. I am more enamored with the joy of making things rather than looking pretty. Of course, in my fantasy world, I would design and have all my clothes handmade just for me. I like the idea of creating my own uniform and supporting other independent artisans through its making.

Instead of a fleet of brand new sports cars and luxury automobiles, I'll settle on one that doesn't have a busted taillight, a cracked windshield, non-functioning gages, and an engine with a penchant for overheating and breaking down. The idea of relaxing when I sit behind the wheel, instead of worrying if I'll make it where I need to go and back is very enticing.

One blog reader wrote and asked what exactly the "new directions and exciting developments" concerning my work were. I don't want to say too much, because I don't want to jinx my opportunities, but I have quite a few things that I'd like to do. One of the big ones is to participate in a new art community that is developing here and having a studio outside of the house. Although the studio is extremely affordable, anything above what I'm paying now is more than what I'd like to and more importantly – can – afford. The only way I'll be able to do this is if I find new ways of supplementing my income, while maintaining my freedom to create. With that being said, I want to have some of my paintings and collages turned into giclee prints and notecards, create some new components (which will require me to get more materials and more tools), and finally launch my own website (which will necessitate certain programs like Photoshop and maybe even a nicer camera). Some of my other big projects include finding time to work on my own books, purchasing a printing press for intaglio etching and maybe even make enough to hire someone to help me tackle all this. I think all of these dreams could be achieved and are not out of reach. It is possible.

Each sale in my shop brings me closer to achieving these dreams. Without the kindness, generosity, and support of my loyal readers, friends, and customers... I wouldn't be able to even consider these things as potentials. But you give me hope. For that, I am eternally grateful! You're not just getting pretty things, you're also enabling me to do what I love best and creating a life blessed by art and learning. Hopefully through my art and words, I am able to repay every kindness. Thanks to you, my dreams are possible.