How do I wake up everyday and do this with a smile on my face? I wouldn’t dare say this is easy because there are days when I felt like an ultra marathon runner - I have the runner’s high but later on I’m exhausted and ready to collapse on the ground. I’ve almost achieved grand mastery level of the endless juggling act of marriage, motherhood, fulltime legal assistant and art entrepreneur while keeping my mental health from sending me over the cliff. Do I have screaming sessions in my car? Sometimes. Somehow, at the intersection of calmness and chaos, I managed to make this lifestyle work and my family’s cooperation helped with the transition. I’ve been asked how do I manage it all AND as an artist? One key is to be flexible. There is no perfect lifestyle or system and over time, I learned how to find the right balance that doesn’t compromise my health, family and careers.
How do I do this art thing?
I have way too many mental tabs open - majority of them are art related. When the ideas hit, I can’t help myself but to think about them while knocking out my to-do list.
Unsure of which projects I should do next because all of my ideas sound cool. Seriously, I just have to wake up, stare at my supplies and figure it out from there.
Starting a project, stopping halfway through because I got an idea about another project and then go back to that last project. I’m much better about prioritizing now than I was two years ago.
My art sessions have to come last sometimes. I never want to put so much time and attention into my craft that I neglect myself and the people I care about.
As I study each piece of art I make, I think about who I was in my 20s and 30s. I had consumed unhealthy doses of procrastination, depression, anxiety and perfectionism. I was frustrated that I couldn’t effortlessly pull myself out my misery. How do I take care of myself and my family while being in my right mind to paint? Is that even possible? Artistry and spiritual healing pulled me out of the darkness but it’s during the reflection that I’m able to create some of my best work. I’ve been on this wild and dangerous ride with my mental health and able to create beautiful work that I never imagined I could make. This master juggler just gets up and do what I have to do everyday no matter how I’m feeling. Yes, creating while in a shitty mood, dehydrated, husband and kids circling me and with dinner in the oven.
Peace,
Alex B
Paintings by Alex B:
image 1 “Another Bad Day”
image 2 “Stepping Stones”