One Good Thing

I struggle with calling myself an artist. I finally settled on referring to myself as an “enthusiastic hobbyist.”

But I’m not sure about that. I mean, it’s not NOT true, but – seven years after first picking up a brush – I’ve sold paintings (some to people I don’t even know!), people have purchased my paintings as cards and prints on Redbubble, I’ve raised money for hurricane relief by selling prints of the North Carolina mountains, I’ve designed the program for a local play, I’ve won a second-place ribbon at the county fair, I’ve painted commissioned pieces, and I’ve held my own at the County Art Show.

But today, I learned that two of my pieces have been accepted into a show in South Carolina and that one of my pieces in the county show was awarded an Honorable Mention, with an incredible write-up by the judge explaining his decision.

(I think it’s all about that tiny bit of leg.)

I think I might be a real artist. Yes, my style is far more “whimsical illustration” than “view my angst” and that’s okay. The world needs both.

And I’m glad to be a part of that.