Alyice on October 11th, 2008

Self-Taught Artist Gets Homeschooled

Many of the artists I admire have never stepped foot in a formal art school. Some of them were naturals but others had to learn the ropes—as if they were newborn babies learning to walk for the first time. And learn they did. Through one-day workshops, week-long art retreats, DVDs, books, magazines, websites, and lots of trial and error they grew and improved and succeeded.

True, they weren’t Michelangelo, but they weren’t trying to be. They had ideas, they had dreams, they had visions, but most importantly they had a desire to create—and all they needed was a little instruction; someone to point them in the right direction.

For some, it was a matter of personal sanity—art was therapeutic; a way to heal old and new wounds, free themselves of anger, and grow into the people they longed to be. For others it was simply a need that could no longer be contained—they had a desire to do more with their lives, to inspire others, to leave behind a personal legacy; and art was their ticket to making it happen. For the rest, it was a gamble—taking precious time and money away from their families in hopes of making a living as a professional artist.

For me, it’s a little of everything. I gain great pleasure from creating something that brings pleasure to someone else. I find the entire process of creating art to be very therapeutic—as long as I don’t put unrealistic expectations on myself or my art. And being able to sell the pieces I create relieves the guilt I feel from using money that could otherwise go towards family obligations or family time together.

But as much as I’d like to believe that I have some natural, raw talent just waiting to be set free, I also know that there is still much I have to learn about the world of art—from techniques, to supplies, to earning a living. And so, I’ve decided to set out on a new adventure…

I am putting myself through art school.

For now, that school will be taught in the comfort of my own home—through books, magazines, and DVDs. But one day I’d like to venture out into the real world and take a few art classes, workshops, and seminars. I’d even like to attend a few art retreats.

You’ll notice that I’ve deleted a ton of posts on this blog—that’s because I’m going to try to stay more focused. I’m hoping that by giving this blog a real focus, I’ll stay the course instead of letting life’s little interruptions derail my desire to grow as an artist.

I’m excited about all the possibilities. I am excited about unlocking the creativity that lies beneath the surface. And I hope that my journey will inspire you to take your own journey—whatever that may be.

Until next time,

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AlyiceEdrich.com
I'm a freelance writer, mixed media artist, SMVA, and the owner of The Dabbling Mum.

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