Sometimes we need to listen to what some call — the inner voice. Or you might say the universe is trying to tell me something. I have not been listening for awhile.
I’ve told my students to paint/create from the heart. It’s in us. Everything you need is already there. It’s in all of us. Finding and listening to that inner voice or the universe can be difficult. We think we know it all. But if we were honest with ourselves we’d see we don’t know it all. We have tendency to just leave things where they are. It’s going along. No need to disturb a thing at rest. But where is the adventure?
I’ve been humming along with my business, 511 Art Studio for over ten years. The past six years I have had 511 Art Studio as a stand alone space for artists to come and create. People that wanted to learn a medium could come, create and enjoy making art. I’ve had lessons, classes, workshops, open studio time, and private lessons. I had up to six different teachers coming in and teaching at the studio. The studio is booming. As with all businesses there is paperwork. Taxes, keeping supplies on hand, keeping track of the other teachers as contractors, and attendance of students, plus scheduling every body and every class has been a full time job in itself. But I have done it all. I’m not trying to show off here. I just want you to see that running an art studio is a big job.
My business sense come from working for Hallmark Cards for over ten years back in the 90’s. Hallmark was the top at business and they would not accept anything less from their account reps or district trainers (my two jobs while I was there).
Things clicked with the studio and I just held on for the ride. I’ve met a lot of great people, have wonderful students and each time one of them won a ribbon or sold a piece I was a proud Mamma. I’ve seen children grow up and become artists in their own way. After teaching for over fifteen years and having the 511 Art Studio open for over six years, I’m listening to my inner voice. It’s been a tapping on my shoulder. “It’s time, go make your art again.” For the last six months or so, friends and artist friends, have said I was doing too much. I was told if I don’t slow down and refuel I won’t create the art I want to create. And because this has been my goal, to help others be creative and make art, I need to follow my own words. Create every day, even if it is just a little sketch. Bring more art into the world. We need it. We need to create art because I believe that art makes the world a softer place. Even the wild, crazy, and emotionally jarring art makes us softer. So many people tell me that they are not creative and I’ve proved them wrong. It brings me so much pleasure when they say, “I didn’t think I could do it.”
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose…”
This is my time. My time to move 511 Art Studio back to my home. My time to create more. My time to have a more relaxed atmosphere for my students. I will still have classes, private lessons, and open studio time once I get my space set up to accommodate a group larger than four. Maybe once in awhile I’ll have one day workshops.
Change is difficult. I know that and understand that some will have issues and challenges. But I will help them through that, just as I helped the learn to create, paint, and draw.
“The only thing that is constant is change.” –Heraclitus
Thank you to art teachers, students, partners, business associates, fellow artists, and most of all, family and friends that have supported along this journey.
Stay tuned for updates. I will be posting my move and renovation of 511 Art Studio.
Aleta Jacobson--Artist 