In the public eye

There are two kinds of artists. Those who live in the eye of society and strive to be in the spotlight, and those who hide in the shadows and turn out their work like big magnificent surprises for the world to see. What kind of an artist do I want to be? My idol Jackson Pollock went nuts because of being in the public eye so much. He just wanted people to leave him alone and just let him do his thing.Yet many contemporary artists thrive on the attention.

This realization comes in the initial moments following the release of my contribution for UConversation Media.
This website is a bridge between Bishop's University students and alumni. Contributors are alumni, new and old, working in all kinds of careers. They asked me about my post-BU life and I responded that although it is nice to read success stories about people finding their dream jobs and jump starting their new careers fresh out of university, I pitched them my story-- the 'starving artist', the vagabond (ok perhaps not so much, but I like the way it sounds), the "I might not be super successful but at least I'm living life" story.

My first post went live today. "Putting the brakes on a career you don't want" not that I don't want it, just that I'm not ready for it yet. After seeing it live for all the world to see, I have mixed feelings. It has an air of confidence yet is openly vulnerable-- in a good way, I think. I wrote this as to not sugar coat the realities of this "post-university, pre-quarter-life-crisis" part of my life, and to maybe show other recent grads especially arts students that its ok to stray from the common path.

Damn us artist types, why as we so crazy?

I am unsure as to what kind of reaction I will get from this. For some reason I am expecting something negative from all those business alum making 50k + a year laughing at me for temporarily giving up a good career in order to be a starving artist. Am I refusing to grow up? Perhaps. Why? I ask you. What is the rush?

Anyway, feel free to take a look, my fellow bloggers. This is where I normally say "feel free to send me some feedback" or "let me know what you think" but I'm not sure about that right now..