Struggling... anyone else?
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This little sketch was probably my most honest and vulnerable piece this year. And, as unplanned and quickly done as it was, I love how simple and true it is.
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Hi Pam, just wanted to say I struggle sometimes too. I kinda felt like making a post like this that you started back in November. I lost a friend who took her own life. We're all so sad, it was seemingly out of character, but she was amazing. It's better to share the struggle than endure it silently. So even a post like this that you made was a good step. November was super hard and early December too, I just started thinking about little things like eating a little better and exercising a little more, started thinking about what I was grateful for and I also started doing little random acts of kindness that helped too.
I only have two kids and it's hard. So give yourself lots of breaks, either physical or just cut yourself an emotional break too. Raising kids is the hardest thing I've ever done and there's sooooo much room for feeling like your sinking or not doing a good job but no one is perfect. I have two teenagers now so all my faults are pointed out to me daily now LoL. It's tough but I soldier on and enjoy the good stuff.
I did hear this podcast/interview today and it's really excellent, it sure made me understand some of those struggles more that women can have. You might enjoy it. I hope you start feeling better soon!
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.5416004 -
@Coley I am so sorry for the loss of your friend.
I agree with you that it is better to put struggles out there than it is to go on in silence. Sometimes it feels like complaining. And, sometimes it feels like maybe weāre just making things up in our head. But, itās just a lie that keeps us from real connections with people. It breaks my heart to hear stories of people who kept it all to themselves until it just ate them up. Makes me very thankful for all the little communities we have found. Iāll put that podcast on my list of things to listen to!
Also, I have one teenager and Iāll have another one in July. Some days itās great and others, not so much. I joked with mine about getting them some score cards to hold up, you know? Just to make it easier for them to tell my husband and I how they feel about our performance in any given moment.
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@Pamela-Fraley That thought that you mentioned, about feeling sometimes like you're complaining is exactly what she talks about in the podcast! Especially near the end of the podcast I think. She also wrote a book (I know it's hard to listen to podcasts and read books with kids!).
that score card thing is great lol. I actually have great teenagers, and at the moment it's only one who figures he knows it all lol. But actually he is extremely level headed and a fantastic kid. And sometimes he is right (ouch). I guess we gotta grow as parents too..... -
@Pamela-Fraley I know how you feel, 2019 was a rough year. I wont go into too many details but part is the usual "I'm trying to work as an illustrator for one of my jobs and folks don't see it as a real job" shtick. As far as life goes though you just have to keep looking forward. Keep drawing, include your family if possible, and most importantly go at your own pace.
There is something I like to say in regards to this, its sort of my mantra: We are all on the same road of life. Some folks are further along and some are behind us, but the folks further along are there to help us as we are there for the folks behind us. The best part of this road is that the destination doesn't matter, we are all on this road together.
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Hey @Pamela-Fraley ,
Thanks for this post. Itās very humanizing to see that weāre all similar and go through a lot of the same emotions, frustrations and difficulties as each other. With that said, I would just like to remind you that āstruggleā is common and ok. Art and creativity donāt work by always being āonā. Inspiration and drive come and go and in my experience itās just best to go with the flow. Listen to your inner voice and when the time is right, run with it and create all kinds of beautiful work. When the time doesnāt feel right, take some time to yourself to focus on other areas that bring you happiness. Thereās a natural ebb and flow to this stuff. Ups and downs. Keep your head up and tackle it all one day at a time.As for the SVS curriculum, I think thatās a fantastic idea to spark some new motivation and drive. Iām doing the same thing. Not to get out of a slump but to inject some direction into my often confusing path of mastering my craft. So now you know at least ONE āclassmateā who will be doing the curriculum alongside you:)
Instagram: @daveleekart
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@ColbyGreen I think the āgoing at my own paceā thing is the part I struggle with. I want to go at someone elseās pace... someone who is actually accomplishing something.
Thatās a good word though. Thank you!
p.s. one of my boys is named Colby.
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@Bricz-Art Iām glad Iāve got some company. Iāll try to post when I get some of the assignments done.
Thank you for the encouragement. This community is so amazing. -
I'm sorry for the tough year you've had
(and for everyone on this forum who has experienced similar struggles). I don't have any words of wisdom, just empathy and hope that 2020 will bring some serenity and space for you to continue creating beauty in your unique voice. You know how much I love your work 
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Hi @Pamela-Fraley you're not alone. 2019 wasn't so easy for me, but we all have our way of processing what happens. I took some time off Instagram. I haven't posted in a few days and it's fantastic. I'm going through Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" which has been really grounding for me. There's a concept there called the morning pages which are 3 pages of journaling every morning, stream-of-consciousness stuff. It's been pretty helpful.
I think one thing to remember is that you don't have to make art every day. If you don't want to draw, then don't draw. Of course it's nice to achieve that, but you could do something else creative instead. Like go for a walk, read a book, or write something. There's a lot of pressure out there for artists and it's not really fair to put more on yourself. And if social media is getting you down then just disconnect. Cold turkey. Others have written about self-care too and this is super important as well. I hope this year is better for you and everyone here at SVS
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@BichonBistro thank you Patty. And thank you for the Christmas card you sent. It definitely made me smile. I know weāre just in a season right now and Iām thankful for it in a way. I know it deepens the work we do when we go through hard things. And, Iām slowly starting to pick up my pencils again.
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@NelsonYiap you are right. I think I fall into the trap of thinking Iām giving up on my dream if I donāt work at it no matter what. But, honestly, sometimes life just plows you over. And itās not wrong to let yourself feel that. I figure Iāll become more consistent at things like Instagram when I have the space for my art to be an actual career, but Iām gonna let myself be a student for now. And, yes! I have been filling my creative bank account with books and things. And even some outside time. Though, we live in Alaska and it is COLD! I do sometimes just sit with a cuppa tea and let myself stare at the trees around our house. It is very peaceful and filling to do that.
