Sunday 12 December 2010

Full time Artist as of Friday

This Friday will be my last day of working as a full time graphic designer. I've travelled two hours a day, there and back for the past twenty years. I certainly won't miss the travel. I will still be doing some work for them from home, but it will only be on a part time basis.

My new full time career in art is about to begin, I'm really looking forward to being able to get some of the ideas that keep spinning around in my head out and onto paper. I started today by making some gelatine prints, something that I haven't made for awhile. I'm thinking that might become a workshop in the new year.

I will now be concentrating on more teaching and I'm hoping to start creating some online classes too.

I haven't been near my jewellery table for around a month, now that's all about to change as well.


These prints were made on paper, the second pair show how I made a blue print on the left, then did a second print which was lighter. When it was dry I overprinted it with a similar design in a rust colour.


These prints were made on fabric. I used my Indian wood blocks for the top four. They look so old and almost Japanese. I love how all the flaws in the gelatine plate add interest. The bottom left was made using a paper doily and the right used some of my pomegranate cut outs.





Our Altered Books and Beyond group are having our Christmas get together on Tuesday night so I've been putting together some little gift packs to hand out. Each one has a small heart decoration made from my fabric papers.

I'll be back soon, blogging more now I hope.

49 comments:

Heather said...

How thrilling Ro! What a waste of precious time having to travel for two hours each day and tiring too. I wish you every success as a full time artist. The gelatine prints are stunning and your group ladies will love those giveaway packs.

Maggi said...

Lovely giveaway packs and the prints are so effective. Congratulations on becoming a full time artist, I wish you every success.

Unknown said...

Congratulations on becoming a full time artist!

Sarah Payne said...

Congratulations on the new career and the best of luck. It is very brave to turn your back on the pay packet and follow your creative heart instead. Good luck

Teresa Abajo said...

Congratulations on taking the big step - I'm sure it will be everything you ever dreamed it would be. Look forward to hearing more about your classes, and I hope to be able to come to one in the new year.

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

The best of luck to you in this grand adventure! It's wonderful news and I look forward to those the development of those on line classes :-)
Sounds like you just might need a copy of 'I'd Rather Be In The Studio' by Alyson Stanfield!

ACreativeDreamer said...

I am soooooo envious! Best of luck, I hope all of your dreams for the new adventure come true!

Sophie Munns said...

What great news Ro!
wishing you every success and deep fulfiment!
Sophie

Jan said...

Hi Ro ,I haved popped over from Sarah's blog ,you commented about her living in Petyerborough ,Iused to but for the last six years we have lived in a little market town between P'boro and Huntingdon , called Ramsey ,I wish you well in your new ventures and look forward to reading all about them ...love Jan xx

ArtPropelled said...

How exciting Ro!!! I did this 18 years ago and I have never looked back.... not for a second. My income increased, and I'm so much happier. (also kicking myself for not doing it sooner!)

Tricia said...

congratulations and the very very best of luck to you! i am so happy for you, that you will have the time to play more with ideas that you may not have had time for with such a long commute.
i would love to take an online class from you! the papers are gorgeous!!!!!

Healing Woman said...

All wonderful! I will definitely be taking an online class from you when you get them up and running.

Pat said...

Congratulations Ro! I've been an admirer of your blog for a while now and always marvel at how prolific you are while working a full time job at the same time. I can only imagine how much beauty and inspiration you'll be able to create now as a full time artist. This is good news for you and the entire art community!

Anonymous said...

Oh Ro, I wish you all the very best. As one who has 'worked from home', freelance, for the last ten years, I know how revitalising it is to be your own person.

And the gelatine prints are absolutely superb. I've read about how to do them, but never got my act together. Afraid of having to splash out on printing inks which I might never use again. Can one use acrylic paint?

Anyway, enjoy your new career; I will follow it with great interest.

Grangry said...

Good luck Ro, and congratulations on taking that big step!

Penney said...

Wow! Good for you! I can't wait to see what you come up with for online classes. I do so love your work, thank you for sharing on your blog.

Jeannie said...

Congratulations! Wishing you hours of creativity and inspiration.

Terri Kahrs said...

Whoo Hoo and BIG congrats, Ro! Somehow I have a feeling that you'll be busier than ever!!! You will LOVE doing your art full time. Many wishes for MUCH success!!! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Jacky said...

Put me down for that gelatine print class Ro. I have been wanting to try that for ages!!! Looove those done with the Indian block prints (think I'll definately be going down that track. What fun, looking forward to it.

Congratulations on becoming a full time artist...something we all aspire to...lucky you.

Take care and look forward to catching up in the New Year.

Jacky xox

Kim Palmer said...

How exciting for you Ro, you have certainly worked hard for this. Congratulations, I am sure you will love the challenge and more time to devote to pursuing your creativity. Best wishes for this new start!

Lucy said...

Congratulations Ro, I know you have been looking forward to this special time in your life.
Looking forward to some new workshops.
Hugs Lucy

Julie said...

How exciting Ro! I look forward to following your new journey and I wish you every success in this new period of your life. I have giveaway pack envy! ;-)

Dotti said...

I just wanted to say thank you...for having such a wonderful blog. You are an inspiration to all of us who follow! Just when you are thinking you are gaining two hours a day...you are going to find you will be twice as busy...and still wondering where time flies! Take it from one who retired from a similar commute 13 years ago!

juliaD said...

Congratulations!!!!...I feel so happy for you, I just know oyu will be a huge success as you already are!!!!..
And part time work from home too..
Perhaps you might even have time to stop off for a cuppa if your ever out my way during the week now.....great news...xx..julia

Penny said...

Congratulations Ro, I hope it all goes well. I am hoping that one of my visits to children in Melbourne may be at the same time as one of your classes and I can join in.
I have loved what you have done over the past year or so that I have followed your blog.

Jo Wholohan said...

how fantastic ro!!! xx

Kim said...

Congratulations Ro, that you are moving into your true career. All the best.

Emma said...

Wonderful, brave & fantastic, wishing you all the luck in the world.

As I'm too far for a day workshop I look forward to the on line classes. Please do make one of them about the fabulous gelatine prints!

jgr said...

Big congrats!! I'm thrilled for you-oh I would love to know more about your gelatin prints they are gorgeous!

Heloise said...

Wishing every success and happiness in your new way of life. Shall look forward to seeing information about your on-line classes.

Seth said...

So wonderful to hear Ro. Sending out congratulations to you!

Regina said...

Congratulations on daring to picture a new path! Good luck with full-time art. I'm envious! I still have about a year to go...

suziqu's thread works said...

Those gelatine prints look so superb using your Indian blocks. Just Divine!!! You will just love being at home to create, teach and fulfill some of those dreams you have been having over the years.
All good luck Ro and thanks for your kind comments on my blog!

Dot said...

Hi Ro
I am sure this will be the start of a wonderful new life for you. And I look forward to seeing where this change takes you. Count me in for the gelatin print class too!
Lovely to see you recently at our art catch up day. I have already hung up the gorgeous heart you gave me.
Have a wonderful Christmas Ro.
Lot's of love
Dot xx

The Itsy Bitsy Spill said...

Hey Ro,

I'm so happy you are doing this, this is great!!!!! How are you? It been a while since I visited. I feel you are going to have the best time creating art on your terms. Excellent!!!

Have a beautiful holiday!

Sophie Munns said...

Hi Ro,
just a quick visit to tell you I have tagged you....if you find any time to even think about this...best to you,
S

rivergardenstudio said...

As usual, your pages are a feast for the eyes. Congratulations on your new life, even more emmersed in your art! roxanne

Rochelle said...

How wonderful! Good luck and I will be looking out for your new classes. I hope you do a journal class or paper/page making class. I love your work. The color in your work is so beautiful!

Jason said...

Good luck on your new adventure Ro. I'm sure you won't miss the travel to work at all!

An'Angelia Thompson said...

Hi, Ro! I love your blog and have it listed on my own blogroll. I am featuring different artists on my blog in 2011 and would love to interview you. Please contact me if you're interested at angeliasart@sbcglobal.net. My blog is AngeliasArtJournals.blogspot.com
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
P.S. Congratulations on "Full Time Artist"! It's a beautiful life! :o)

Anonymous said...

what a big adventure!

Congrats on the decision, and I look forward to on line stuff..

Martine said...

May this change make you happy and rich..............
XXXm

Parabolic Muse said...

Oh, Ro, I just know you're going to be so happy! Having things your way, being able to express! Guiding people through the obstacles we all make for ourselves! I wish you all the best in this exciting new endeavor!

Have a lovely holiday, as well!

Unknown said...

congrats Ro! enjoy the new career :-)

azirca said...

More time for art sounds like a perfect way to begin the New Year. All the very best to you on your artistic journey.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Gaby Bee said...

How exciting Ro! Congratulations!

Merry Christmas and a very Happy Healthy New Year to you and all your loved ones. Hope 2011 brings you loads of love, laughter and creativity.

Gaby xo

Elizabeth said...

Huge Congratulations to you Dear Ro!! Youa re going to fly for sure!!!! I am so very excited for you! Love your gelatin prints- I love doing them- I find it very hard to stop!!!! you will have people flocking to this workshop for sure!!!!
I ahve not done any blogging in so very long as I ahve been straight out busy - look what I ahve missed!! Still ahve 13 journals to finish up before Christmas!!
Ha[ppy Christams to you and all of your wonderful family!!! Happy Hugs!
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Ro, Congratulations on becoming a full time artist!!! How exciting for you! Your work is always inspiring. The elephant stamp I bought from you made its way into the painting I am doing in honour of my Dad. I appreciate your talent so much. Enjoy!!!!

Evie said...

Ro, you've done what so many would give their eye teeth to be able to do - freelance. I've been a follower of your blog for a while and your artwork is always splendid, I'm sure you'll have a huge following for online courses.

Those gelatin prints are amazing!!