by Candace Navarrete

by Candace Navarrete

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Have I lost my Niche?

Some how over the last few years I seem to have lost my way with my art, at least that's how I feel. Oh yeah, I still create and plug along, but I am still trying to find that "fit"..I used to have it..LOL, and was very confidente about my work. When I was a dollmaker, this was never an issue. However, once I switched to being a clay artist, things changed. The proverbial "rug" got pulled out from under me a couple times 4 or 5 years ago...and to this day, I am still struggling to discover where I fit in.
 Some days I think it's just time to "retire", but then when you have the lust to create..what do you do with all the art? :)
Money issues and the terrible economy have also forced me to question myself..and I know many of us are stuggling right now, with 1 or both issues..It's tough to create when you can't afford to buy supplies...and even if you can..sales are slow.
On a plus note..my hubs has just started working again after 4 years of  a forced retirement..so maybe that will relieve some of my stress !
The shows I do are still going well..TG. As I get older and older,
setting up a whole booth by myself, has become taxing...but what are ya going to do..."The show must go on" :)
I still enjoy chatting with customers and show promoters, and yes, I will admitt, I still like showing off my work, things I have created with my own 2 hands..and watching the smiles my work generates on the faces of customers...
I don't know where I'm going with this....LOL
Thanks for reading my rantings :)
Candy

12 comments:

Sharon Stevens said...

Hey Candace,
I hear ya. Maybe go back to doing dolls again? I'm looking for a different avenue as well. Hopefully we will both find it soon.
Hugs,
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Sharon and Candy add me in too..now you can see where I went..luv you 2....donna

maddyrose said...

Reading this is like seeing my own thoughts on someone else's site. I can relate 100%.

yoborobo said...

Oh, I want to join in, too! I am questioning every thing I do and the economy is so awful!! I feel just like this, Candy! xo Pam

Dianie said...

Candy,
it has been a rough go with the economy.. I am just keeping my head down and plugging away with my art and selling it, trying hard not to focus on the few pennies it brings in, but rather the good feeling it gives me to create something with my hands.
One day this economy will get better and we will not have quit, and we will reap the rewards..

well, this is the pep talk I give myself everyday, lol.....

Hugs,
~Diane

HowlingMoonDesigns said...

Sharon...I am going to make a few for Piecemakers and see how they do :)

Hugs

HowlingMoonDesigns said...

Donna, Maddyrose & Pam...

I am sorry to know others share my confusion & deliema...yet it's good to be in such good company :)..
We are artists, so I guess we will muddle through until our paths are clear..

Hugs

HowlingMoonDesigns said...

Diane...You are right and thanks for the pep talk :)...Maybe I need to be more positive about things...
Ya think?!..LOL

Hugs

Madame Jen said...

I nominated you for the Zombie Rabbit Award. :)

HowlingMoonDesigns said...

Hi Jen...
Why thanks for the nomination :)..
I think I'd like anything titled " Sombie Rabbit"!
Hugs,
Candy

By Way of Salem said...

Hi Candy! OMG I can totally relate to what you're saying. I put my whole art thing on hold when I had to go back to school for a so-called "in demand" career in hair. Yeah, but what they don't tell you - it's in demand if you're a 20 year old hottie trying to get a job in a salon! Where are all the 40+ hairstylists??? Anyway, I'm JUST now getting back into all my art stuff and trying to reestablish myself. I've lost some of my followers, and not on other artists blogs listing mine as a "Must see" blog. It's tough and a hit to my confidence. I did my first little craft show a few weeks back and it helped restore some of it cause people loved my stuff and I did good, even for such a little show. So you just keep going ok? You're art is great! I think we're just at a funny age and it's a funny time in the world too. We can be sisters in art! Take care, Jeannine

HowlingMoonDesigns said...

Thank You Jeannine!

Doing hair these days is so different than when I did it way back when..LOL I did hair in the days of shampoo/sets and blow drys..I specialized in color..I cannot believe how different it is now.
Your art is good as well..and we have to just keep plugging along :)
Hugs,
Candy