Right Now: stamps.

I have a new release of stamps coming out this month from Whipper.  (I won't have samples for awhile, so photo shows a previous release.)

Also had a very fun time at my family reunion in Chicago.  My brother was a generous host and I was able to have a few Dreamland-related conversations on the train.  Probably the biggest reason I started this blog was to help me work out whether I want to keep doing what I'm doing or move on.   I don't take it for granted that I've had an art-related business for 16 years, but I don't seem to embrace it lately either.  Is there a club out there for women like me?

I left college with my BA and got on with things.  My friend Chris took the other path: she kept going till she got her PhD.  I do my creative thing all day, she does it "on the side."  I have often wondered if I should have chosen the rigors of academia over the struggles of creative expression.  I am feeling the need to know more, learn more.

I love libraries, maybe library science?  On the train Carol thoughtfully reminded me of the potential tedium of that choice.  And I reminded myself that I can love libraries without being a librarian (in much the same way that Chris loves creating without doing it daily).  The grass isn't always greener, after all.

Carol also suggested that what I am doing is not really adding to the rampant consumerism in our culture.  I have always had issues with that.  I can't just blithely say "it's okay" when so much of this world is not okay.  I can't seem to find where I fit in the economic structure (or even understand the economic structure!).  Library science, art history, they sound so legitimate to me:  why is that?

The upshot is, for now I am going to work harder at what I am doing and see where that takes me.  Yes, it is hard.  A lot of choices would be hard.  If you know any sites/blogs/books/etc. that deal with these issues, I would love to know about them!

Comments

[Melissa Gruber]

Hi Gina-
I wish I knew of some sites or blog to help deal with that stuff. I have some blog information that I will have to dig out and see if there is anything on the list.
I feel ya...this staying at home full-time mom thing is worth it, but WOW I never leave my office...I am sure you feel the same way working out of your home. My door is open 24/7 these days and it has been a BIG change.
I am thinking about you...and LOVE what you do with your art. You make me want to be more creative, think outside the box and we need more of that in this world.

Have a great day!
Melissa