Change is Here!!!

How dare one complain about getting to do all the things they love, right?

But this is where I have found myself in the couple of years.

Any artist would be over the moon to have art collectors from all over the world choose their artwork. Oh, I am soooo over the moon, I have to pinch myself when my paintings and prints are heading to your home.

Any teacher would be thrilled to work with the co-workers and the administration that I get to work with and teach kids like the ones at my high school. My students are excited to learn, they make me laugh every day and I learn so much by being around them. How many teachers get a surprise birthday party from their students, a beautiful oak cutting board that they made, or scarves from the places they visit because they know that you have a thing for scarves? But above all the wonderful gifts, getting little notes that say “Thank you because I learned so much,” “Thank you, because you changed my life,” and “Thank you, because you made me realize I can make art” fills my soul with joy. Who wouldn’t love that?!

And no one in the right mind would complain about having a family who they love and who loves them so much that they want more time together.

That’s the problem… I love it all. However, something has to change because missing sleep is taking a toll on my body; I miss having time to explore different art forms and creative techniques or to really hone the skills that I have; I miss keeping up with messages from you and packing up orders without feeling rushed. I miss time with the family that is not spent with shipping, grading, or lesson plan stuff all around me. It all makes me feel that I don’t get to have the time to really savor getting to do the things I enjoy and that I am failing at it all or just not doing it to the best of my ability because there is just not enough time in the day.

So what will give? It can’t be the family. I love them all and couldn’t be without them.

The idea of creating something… painting, molding clay, making jewelry and gardening makes my heart beat with excitement from morning to night. When the idea of creating something beautiful springs in my mind, my entire body feels it. I’ve been that way since I can remember. On top, I get to share with all of you what I have created and you cheer me on and encourage me daily.

So, that leaves me with teaching. Getting to share my knowledge has always been at the core of what I do and who I am and don’t ever want to give that up. That’s the main reason why I have been teaching for 12 years. The other reason is financial stability. Although Oklahoma is not known for paying their teachers well, the pay is consistent. As I told one of my lovely collectors, I am not a gambler, and stability is very important to me.

All this being said, my resignation from teaching high school full time has been sent. I’ve come to the realization that there are many other ways of sharing the love of art, including creating videos to share art techniques, not just painting, but making pottery, jewelry and whatever else I find myself creating. I also look forward to eventually hosting workshops online and in time in person. So, I there are many ways for me to continue teaching art.

As far as financial stability is concerned, it’s important to not put all my eggs in one basket in order to ease my worries, which also offers the wonderful opportunity to get reacquainted with and explore other art mediums so that I may have several different beautiful art forms to make available for collectors. Other ideas are to come, and some of this will be in a my new Patreon account, in which I would love to hear your feed back and provide art that you wish I would create. MY PATREON LINK .

I am both very nervous and excited about the change, but mostly I’m thankful to continue doing things I love and forever grateful for you who have given me so much. This leap would not be possible if it were not for the support and encouragement you all have provided me with over the years.

I hope that you will continue to support this venture by following me in different social medias…. Instagram, YouTube, and Patreon along with this website/blog and sharing them with all those in your life who love beautiful art.

Thank you so much for being part of my dream. It’s an honor and joy to be part of your art world.

Hugs,

Carolina