Each book or audio was perfect for the situation I was dealing with at the time.
“Good Morning Beautiful People,I wanted to share how much my life as an artist has flowered since applying the principles of SOGR and doing the PG Course.
I always knew that I was gifted with great artistic ability. Drawing people and animals always came so easily,making clay pots was simple and great fun and I won awards in school for my work and always got straight A's in art. My work almost always made it to the showcases.
But all this meant nothing since my self-esteem was practically non-existent, and I spent most of my adolescence wishing I was dead and trying to find quick ways to die.
I later started killing myself on the installment plan when I fell into total addiction, despite the fact that to all outside appearances I functioned, paid my rent, my bills, provided for my children, worked, etcetera.
13 years ago, I had a spiritual awakening and got clean and sober with the help of a couple of 12-step programs. But I was still neglecting my art, and I was as a result, angry and miserable. It was like all this creativity needed to come out, and I was trying to bottle it up, because I felt that artistic talent was worthless, and I could never make any money at it, except for an occasional commission here and there.
A good friend suggested that I really get serious about doing something with my art, as she saw that I was unhappy, so I went to graphic design school for 2 years, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. It was the best investment for an education that I ever made, because it got me THINKING about finally marketing myself as an artist.
In 2003, my mother gifted me with supplies for creating Italian maiolica. A friend gave me a kiln, and my husband rewired it. It is still running today. But I was still unhappy, working side jobs all the time to make ends meet, never really doing my art full time like I wanted to.
In the meantime, a Roman reenactor friend helped me put up a website, I named my company The Venetian Cat, and I started making historical reproduction Roman pieces. My first outdoor market was a raving success!!
Then in 2006, I read Wally's book. The phrase that stuck in my mind the most was "you can get rich in ANY business". The illusion of poverty thinking that I had for so long was FINALLY starting to dissipate.
Because of practicing SOGR in my life:
No longer do I feel afraid to approach galleries, where before, I was terrified of them and feared rejection.
No opportunity is too small to show off my work. I have had my work up in our local library twice, and still have some pieces at my local Congresswoman's office downtown. I even have articles written about me now as a result-WHOOHOO!!! Big Grin
My online business has increased by at least a third, and I have taken on the challenge of doing Greek reproduction pieces, and LOVE making them.
Yesterday, I brought some Italian maiolica reproductions to a local gallery, one which would have scared the crap out of me in the past. Instead, I was totally relaxed while there, and the owner wanted MORE of what were my favorite pieces to make. Smile Big Grin I was totally fine with the fact that she liked some pieces, and not others.
Because of SOGR, I see this not as a rejection, but simply that those pieces are destined for elsewhere-perhaps a more appropriate venue. Wink In my mind, I was thinking"Never allow yourself to be disappointed"and "Know that the Universe works with you".
Yesterday in that gallery was the most amazing day of my career yet, because literally, I could clearly see that ALL of my old beliefs have left.
I used to think that galleries were mean, nasty places designed to screw the artist out of money, and instead, I saw the experience as an opportunity for both myself and the gallery owner (who is a very nice lady by the way)to make some $$.
I used to think that there was no place in the New England market for my style of work, and instead, the owner LOVED it.
I get to make what I want and really like, rather than having to cater to what I think would sell, just to please the gallery.
I am now doing my art full time.
WOW-I am so amazed that I had to share, and am posting this in the hopes that other artists out there like me will see that NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE if you just believe. Smile
Thank you for taking the time to read this and allowing me to share with all of you.
Peace,
Julia
