rave

It's now 5:29 a.m., and I'm at work, waiting for the rave next door to end in 1 minute. Then the guys will tear down and clean up, I'm hoping to go home in an hour.

It's a pretty cool event, unfortunately I got a stomach ache (too much coffee!) and was tired, so I spent most of my time at my desk with Theo putting my wrists to sleep. I intended to do all of these creative things tonight! At the most, unpacking my downstairs studio, working on the upstairs studio, and hopefully screenprinting. At the very least, working on the website or some graphic design! But alas, I didn't do much of anything. Nothing worthwhile, anyway. I've got serious deadlines coming up, so I could have used the time, but I just didn't have the energy and felt a little on edge and nervous.

I'm feeling much better now, if I get no neighbor complaints I think I'm onto a good thing. The guys are thrilled with the venue, and let's face it -- a regular gig every month will do a lot to stabilize the place, even if it means staying here all night.

I had looked forward to an all-nighter all week, truth be told, but I think moving all day and all the expenditure of energy lately, the opening last night and working for Kolacny's, all combined have left me drained.

I need to get creative, though -- I have a whole series of deadlines coming up! And I actually can't wait to unpack my studio, I think it will be fantastic.

The other night I was in there, and it hit me...this is mine! After all the months of hard work, I had almost forgot! But I've got a killer studio, and I can't wait to get to work!

Something else hit me, too -- I really am too old for raves. It was fun, but a little lonely. But I think I'll acclimate -- after all, I've spent half my life staying up all night working. It's good for me.

I miss R, though. Can't wait to go home and curl up in bed with him and a kitty or two.

random advice to a young artist (that I also need to hear myself from time to time)

always strive to do your best work, don't show anything less. Keep regular hours in your studio so that when you go through a slump you have discipline to bolster yourself. Work hard, talent alone is meaningless without a work ethic. Realize quickly that the art world isn't fair and move on. Don't sell yourself short, and don't let anyone else sell you short, either. Be confident, but not arrogant. Never burn a bridge if you can help it. Read everything. Be able to intelligently discuss your work. Don't let rejection get to you, there's another opportunity around the corner -- be ready for it. Don't forget to have fun, if you don't love what you do there are certainly more profitable professions. And speaking of that: don't expect to make money at your work, it will be that much more pleasant of a surprise if you do. Don't forget to grow.

Yup, guess that's about it.