Life can get pretty hectic. Juggling work and parenting makes finding the time to create art often feel like a luxury. I turned to AI art at that point. This tool allowed me to capture the vivid dreams I’d otherwise struggle to bring to life. One such fleeting dream has been preserved and reimagined through the magic of AI. It has transformed into a powerful artwork. The artwork is now available on Redbubble through their print-on-demand service. This piece didn’t just stay as an image. It inspired me to write a poem. The poem gave my dream a voice and narrative it might not have had otherwise.
Surface Level
We skim the waves, sun blistering our faces, the surface a liar, a deceitful mirror of darker places. We think we know, we play the part, never probing the ocean’s heart.
To stay above is to stay sea sickly insane, comfort’s bubble surrounds our inflamed brains. No sharks to fear, no cold to chill, No truths to face, no need for will.
Yet deep below, where shadows roam, a weirder world claims its throne. Risk’s the price for wisdom’s gain, danger entwines with joy and pain.
For being smart is sometimes dumb, when fear of depth makes courage numb. And being dangerous, reckless, free, is as smart as it’s meant to be.
I wish I could stay at surface level, a well dressed cork dancing above the watery devil. But a voice below pulls, soft yet stark: “To truly live, you must leave a mark.”
What are your biggest challenges?
Being a successful artist is a journey filled with passion, creativity, and relentless determination. However, for many, the path is not just about finding the inspiration and creating the art but also about balancing the demands of everyday life.
Managing a bustling cafe six days a week and being a parent to two young children is no small feat. The responsibilities that come with these roles can easily consume one’s time and energy, leaving little room for personal pursuits. I often find myself torn between the demands of professional and family life, it’s a constant challenge to carve out dedicated time for creative pursuits.
Balancing the daily operations of my cafe and attending to the needs of two young children leave only slivers of time for personal creativity. The constant battle against the clock makes it difficult to establish a consistent art-making routine, leaving the me yearning for those stolen moments of tranquility amidst life’s chaos.
Even when a precious moment for art-making arises, I still encounter another formidable challenge – battling physical and mental fatigue. Running a cafe and managing a household are physically demanding tasks that can drain your battery. Finding the motivation to embark on a creative journey becomes an uphill struggle when confronted with exhaustion. I’m constantly dealing with the internal conflict between the desire to create and the weariness that overshadows my creative motivation.
Despite the hurdles, I’m acutely aware of the immense benefits that creating art brings. The therapeutic nature of artistic expression, the joy derived from the creative process, and the sense of accomplishment after completing a piece are all invaluable rewards. However, accessing these benefits requires overcoming the formidable barriers posed by a hectic schedule and the fatigue that accompanies it.
To navigate these challenges, I have implemented strategies to integrate art into my demanding life. This includes setting realistic goals, prioritizing self-care, being ready to utilise small pockets of available time and seeking support from friends and family. By acknowledging the importance of my creative pursuits and actively working to create a conducive environment, I attempt to strike a balance between the roles as a cafe owner, parent, and artist.
The journey of a successful artist often involves more than just artistic skill; it requires resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to self-discovery. In the face of the dual responsibilities, finding time and motivation to create art becomes a formidable challenge. Yet, by recognizing the importance of creativity and implementing strategic approaches to overcome obstacles, who know what is possible.
Kids Book Illustrator Andy C Marshall 