Good to Know #8

I have received support all through my life as an artist from parents, friends, boyfriends, school, teachers, and community. My biggest life-long supporters are my parents, who have helped me out financially, emotionally, and in so many other ways. I call them for encouragement all the time. Some of the most simple but true advice is “Keep working.”

I used to believe that artists had to be completely independent, but I realize that’s untrue. We all need to interact and relate to people and our environments. There is no need to be too proud. If I come across help, I take it and hope that I can give back again in some way, even if it wasn’t to the same person who helped me. I think of this good will as an energy that should keep circulating. Part of being an artist is accepting the opportunities that come – it’s the choices you make that shape your reality.

I do believe that having a supportive community is extremely helpful. My present community of artists comes in the form of teachers and students I’ve met at an art center where I teach. I also meet people through craft fairs where I sell my art. It’s a wonderful feeling when a stranger becomes a friend. When I was still in college, a teacher asked us to consider if having a community of artists is important. I didn’t think it really mattered, but when I was living in more isolated environments I realized how hard that is. If you can’t find a community in your present environment, the wonderful world of the internet has made making friends very easy. I have befriended several amazing people by discovering their artwork online (and some through Pikaland as well!) Not everyone understands why someone would choose art as their path and why it is so important to them. Each artist’s path is unique, but the challenges can be very similar.

We need to stick together!

Aijung Kim www.aijungkim.com www.sprouthead.etsy.com