Making Art

One artist’s journey is never the same as another’s. Not only do you have to be creative in what you make, but also in how you get it out there, connect with the right people, and make a living. They all involve taking risks.

In 2010, Jan decided to begin the journey away from what had been a safe income (production work) to go after the art and life she wants for herself.

She discusses the balance of both worlds and how she is successfully transitioning from one to the other. She’s leaving what is safe and taking a risk by betting on her art.

You’ll hear about the following from Jan.

• The many hats she wears in handling the construction of the mobiles, along with marketing, accounting, etc.
• Why she found it easier to retain and train people as employees rather than interns.
• Her commitment to letting her body make the work, and keeping her mind out of it.
• How she got the confidence in herself and her artwork to exhibit it, and what it felt like to put it out into the world.
• The important question artists need to ask themselves: What do I need to make? Not: How do I sell my art?
• The social component of being an artist, and how Jan navigates the world as a self-proclaimed shy homebody.
• The value of listening, connection, and staying open and present as an artist.