Emerging Artist

I find the term “emerging artist” to be one of flexibility. Was Emily Carr emerging by recognition by news media? Was Ms Carr regarded as emerging by the indigenous people whose home and culture she was honoring? Was I an emerging artist in the late 1970s when I was first exhibiting, winning minor awards, full of independent self worth? I reflect upon my 36 years as a single parent, juggling 3 jobs, trying to enter 1 to 3 juries exhibits yearly, whilst trying to keep food on the table, the electricity turned, the car running, attending to family dynamics, caring for my ill mother, dating sporadically, and returning to college for 3 Master Degrees (always in hopes of furthering a paying, steady career)?

I feel it is only now, as a woman in my later stage of life, that I am truly an emerging artist. I recall when I first returned to university, to work towards an MFA, my friend Peter commented that I must be so excited, that it would be so much fun. I looked at him stunned. All I knew at that point was that it would be a constant battle to pay the bills., support my 5 year old daughter, and work, whilst facing the challenge within the rigorous demands of producing and defending my art. His intelligent and completely supportive wife Sharon responded: “Peter, it won't be like when you were single, in your 20s, painting in your own graduate studio whenever you like and meeting your friends for drinks later.” I believe Sharon was more aware then I was at just how extraordinarily difficult it would be.

I suppose I am both seasoned and emerging. Now is the first time in 40 years that I may pursue, in isolation, the freedom of focus that can lead to full impact of my goals and training.