So today might seem a bit off course for a “technical tuesday” but I wanted to share the following article and maybe start a conversation here for ceramic artists about working too hard and the whole life/work balance thing. I’m a big fan of Lisa Congdon’s illustrative work and often saw her successes and work ethic as the type of success I was looking for…maybe still am. In the following personal essay, Lisa gets honest about the struggles to maintain an art career. I’m alot like her…unable to say no….unable to enjoy a movie without some sort of work on my lap. It’s a hustle. I get fidgety too when there’s nothing to do or when I have to take a break. Unless I’m on a plane, somehow that time I can waste watching movies and napping without guilt. The cult of busyness is often talked about, glorified, and criticized. No matter how much I like being busy, or feel guilty about it, I know that to get to where I feel like i’m successful with my career will be awhile and the hustle will have to go on until then. And I guess if i’m really honest with myself about what that success is i have to be honest and say that it would have to include some financial stability. I don’t make ends meet on my art work. Exhibitions, sales, followers, projects on the go don’t pay our family’s bills. So I guess that’s part of what success would mean to me, if we’re talking about the work side of things, not the side that discusses what a successful piece of art is. That is different.

Anyway…I should stop rambling so that you can read Lisa’s far more considered words. And plus it’s time for me to get back to working on three things while i bake the kids cookies and try to watch tv with the husband : )

“The problem was, I was like a hamster on a hamster wheel who literally did not know how to stop the wheel and get off. Even though I was making a steady six-figure income and I could have taken some space, I had become addicted to working. I was also addicted to the rush that working and being acknowledged for the work brought to me. I was attached to the idea that it is the hustling that brings success. I began to feel more stressed when I wasn’t working, not just because I had so many looming deadlines, but because slowing down itself became uncomfortable. Despite early indications of burnout, I felt it was imperative that I continue in this way. I told myself, You can do this! You work fast! You don’t need much sleep! Someday you will be able to take a break.” – Lisa Congdon

Follow the link for more: lisacongdon.com