I made the decision a little over 2 years ago that I would become self employed as an artist. This is a dream I had in the back of my mind for years. For one reason or the other it always seemed unrealistic. I have had various people encourage and discourage me.
Finally it seemed strange that I had let the voices of discouragement carry so much weight. For too long I had looked at the work of other artists, saying to myself, "I could do that."
Well, now I am doing that.
Two summers ago I gave up the security of working for a paycheque and became part of Stanley Park's Artist Circle. It was a great experience to be there out in the sun, painting and talking with artists and other people as they passed by. I would paint for about 10 hours a day and pack my gear up as the sun set over English Bay.
I still work part time as a youth worker at a high school during the school year. But at some point I mean to let go of that security net and free fall into creative self determination.
Last summer I had my art at a number of Craft Fairs. I began printing cards and T-shirts. My art was part of the grand opening at Chaise Interiors in Gastown. I started to write gallery proposals and looking into places I could put my art.
It was then that I found Arts Off Main. Arts Off Main is an artist-run gallery on 28th Avenue, just a half block east of Main Street. It is nestled amongst many cool shops and stores. Next to us is Beadfreaks, Voltage, Mainly Organics, and Cinephile. Just a bit further down is The Grind Gallery and Locus. Check out Vancouver Modern Uban Guide if you want to see more of what is funky in our neighbourhood.
Much coolness abounds -- though our little gallery does not attract as much foot-traffic as I would like. It is just off Main Street, and the many window browsers in the area do not frequently step off the beaten track to explore the side streets of the neighbourhood.
I have been a member of the gallery since September. We have just become incorporated, so I suppose I have joined the ranks of small business owners in Vancouver. It has been pretty good to me so far. Most months I sell a painting or two. I do not have much space with the half-share i purchased and pay rent for -- so most pieces I put up are fairly small and reasonably priced.
I am still working part time, and work a number of shifts at the gallery each month, so I have not put a lot of energy into looking for other galleries, cafes, and shops to display my art at. I have managed to donate a number of pieces to local causes such as Thrive! and the Centre for Spiritual Living in Vancouver.
My spring break has just begun, so I have a bit of time to spare. This means I am touching up my website, preparing a physical portfolio for printing, and soon to hit the streets to visit the funky galleries, cafes, and shops of Vancouver. I also hope to finishi a few children's stories I have been working on.
You will be sure to hear of any upcoming shows if you peek into my gallery from time to time. Send me an e-mail if you would iike to be on a mailing list or have any questions and comments about myself or my work.
Take care, live your dreams, show your love, be aware of wonder.
Have fun out there.
Phil.
