American oil artist Kelli Folsom shares how she fully committed herself to an art career no matter the challenges
WHEN I DECIDED TO GO TO ART SCHOOL and become an artist at 28 years old (15 years ago), I didn’t realise that I would end up supporting myself solely with my art. But I divorced my then partner who I was counting on for financial support. Everyone was worried about how I would ‘make it.’ I guess I should’ve been too, but I was determined.
So, I did what I had to do to: first, get through art school. Then, I realised that if I was going to make it after art school, I needed to get so much better at my art and start learning how to sell it as soon as possible. I started entering local shows in Connecticut (where I went to school) and started selling a few paintings here and there. Then, I started privately tutoring kids and that opened doors to teaching art classes for adults.
I tried a lot of different paths. I think you have to, but one thing I chose not to do was get a job, even part-time. I’m a believer in the ‘burn the boats’ mentality. Why would I have a plan B when I haven’t even tried plan A? You can’t make decisions out of a scarcity mentality when you’re an artist. You’ve got to decide what you want and then go after it full steam ahead.
You’ll have tough times and good times. It’s just part of the deal. You are sort of walking a tightrope without a net.
There’s no manual to follow to get any of it ‘right.’ There’s only your internal compass, listening to your voice and
