Being a married 30-something woman, with a perfectly normal full time job and all of the normal obligations/responsibilities of a wife, daughter, sister and friend, I honestly find it hard to reach out to my artistic self.
I don't mean that to be creative I have to be depressed or anything. But for me, being artistic means I have to tell everyone and everything else in my life to f-off for awhile, while I fully immerse myself in the buoyancy of creativity. Perhaps that is why the 4th room in the house has lain in neglect. Setting it up as my studio has been a start and stop project for the past year. Just like my aversion to watching tv series that require full attention span to connect the storyline, I am reluctant to fully commit to the home studio concept. I am having too much fun (almost) not working on weeknights and weekends, getting enough sleep, not drinking too much coffee, and not constantly day dreaming and planning ceramics. Fortunately, I am a very determined, committed person. Receiving the ArtStart grant is a stiff kick up the bum to start doing things again. I swear.
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This year has been a very prosperous year for me. I have recently received an ArtStart Grant to build up my ceramic practice into a proper business.
I found out that I got the grant in late April, but I wanted to wait until the money's in the bank before I write anything about it. Still can't believe I got it! On the website, artstartgrant.com.au, the grant is described as a career fertiliser, and I totally agree with it! The grant fund is substantial enough, up to $10,000, to help someone trying to set up their career with buying the essentials. I am so fortunate to be living in Australia, where grants like these exist. For me, receiving this grant means I will be able to set up my own ceramic studio at home! The 4th room in the house will finally be in production in the coming few months, after I get my kiln. The grant is also funding my travel expenses to Indonesia later this year, as a way to further explore my background and heritage. The fund will also help with ongoing costs of promoting my ceramic works, e.g. website, portfolio, etc. If you're thinking of applying for an ArtStart Grant, the next round closes in September 2014. Some tips from me when applying:
I will be writing heaps on my journey in the next 13 months or so, while I go about ceramic-ing! Till next time. |
Irine is a recipient of the Australia Council for the Arts' Artstart Grant (June 2014-2015).
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