one true life

well, today is officially the last day of my life as an artist (weekends just don't count). don't get me wrong, i'll continue to be an artist, create work, generate grant application forms, put on exhibitions,etc. but for the last 3 weeks, i haven't had to squeeze it around 'gainful employment'. i took time off so that i would have time to install and sit the space for the show. and i've spent the rest of the time being an artist - working on ideas, putting my invitations in all the right places, talking to people about my work and setting up this blog, basically to let the world know about my work. and all of this has been done at a suitably relaxed pace (ignoring the frantic nature of the installation week, of course). i haven't had to squeeze it in between the 5:36 limited stops to kiama and the 7:05 express to sydney. now, i love my job - i work for a great organisation and it has given me a depth to my understanding of the arts sector in australia, but it has been nice to just BE an artist, to feel supported in my vocation (thanks to paid leave.. ahem, mr andrews.. did you hear that - paid leave..). and i've had time to think. to actually develop new ideas. inspiration has been wonderful and i'm still going to develop these ideas and apply for residencies, organise grant applications and keep my little blog updated for my artistic career. i'll just have to resume the juggling act with work, chairing the project committee and an assemblance of a social life. thank goodness i live alone!
i'm glad i've had this time to experience a true life as a professional artist and i'm hoping to return to it one day..
and i've decided that my next artwork is going to be this ad in the paper: