There's a house next to the graveyard at the edge of the village. It's where I go have a smoke and staff. Nice and quiet. The only people who seem to visit are dog walkers. The house next to it was converted, but related to the church a long time ago.
First time I walked past I noticed quirky decor and knew whoever lived there was creative. Weeks later I see a guy chopping wood outside the house. Probably in his late 30's. I knew that not only was he creative, but clearly he had wealth. Well, that, and he lives in Haddenham which is a very expensive place to live now.
Months later, we ended up talking when he was out walking his dogs at the graveyard. He saw me staffing and mentioned that he'd held a Day of the Dead inspired meeting of fire spinners and performers in the graveyard once.
Yesterday, a month or more since we last spoke, he approached me as I sat on the antique tractor seat and looking out on the view and sunset. He said what I was smoking smelt nice, and that he'd had to quit that, and coke. Truth be told, he had the bravado of someone who'd been a cokehead. It seems to give people a certain intensity in how they speak and act.
Turns out he'd made it big in music, sold his back catalogue and was semi-retired living here in the village. I spoke of quitting the rat race soon to do my art full time. He said he always loved meeting people who were following their dream. I echoed that sentiment - as it's very inspiring to meet other creatives, but also those who have "made it".
We exchanged numbers. He said he'd keep me in mind with regards to my art and fire staffing. I showed him my latest drawing and he absolutely loved it. It's wonderful seeing that energy take over people when they see my drawings.
"Wow"
"Oh my God"
"Whaaaaat"
Seem to be the usual reactions, followed by a lot of praise. The compliments still make me feel awkward. He agreed with my desire to hammer out as many galleries as possible in London and other cities. That is where I will be recognised. He was turned away by lots of record companies, but in the end he got signed to a big German label.
I know it'll only be a matter of time before I encounter a similar experience. It's all about networking, travelling and getting my work out there. So many people have told me that the talent is clearly there. I know it too. It's something that leaves a very good impression on those I meet. I just have to find the right people, and I firmly believe it'll help snowball this new career.
The foundation will be Art & Craft fairs initially, as this will be a steady income. Whilst I begrudge how much comission art galleries charge (35-55%) I know that it's the platform to truly get recognised in the art world.
Anyway, it was good to meet that guy again. Once again, I'm continuously putting out my desire and goal into the universe and I continually meet people who inspire and appreciate where my journey will take me.
I will admit, it's making these last few months at work even harder. Well, that, and the fact I'm refusing to do overtime. So I'm slowly drowning in my workload.
Still, in the grand scheme of things, the 3rd June isn't too far away. It's acting as impetus to drive my goal to succeed in my creative ventures. It'll also serve as a good success story when I'm older. Hopefully to encourage others to quit the rat race to follow their dream.
Ed
First time I walked past I noticed quirky decor and knew whoever lived there was creative. Weeks later I see a guy chopping wood outside the house. Probably in his late 30's. I knew that not only was he creative, but clearly he had wealth. Well, that, and he lives in Haddenham which is a very expensive place to live now.
Months later, we ended up talking when he was out walking his dogs at the graveyard. He saw me staffing and mentioned that he'd held a Day of the Dead inspired meeting of fire spinners and performers in the graveyard once.
Yesterday, a month or more since we last spoke, he approached me as I sat on the antique tractor seat and looking out on the view and sunset. He said what I was smoking smelt nice, and that he'd had to quit that, and coke. Truth be told, he had the bravado of someone who'd been a cokehead. It seems to give people a certain intensity in how they speak and act.
Turns out he'd made it big in music, sold his back catalogue and was semi-retired living here in the village. I spoke of quitting the rat race soon to do my art full time. He said he always loved meeting people who were following their dream. I echoed that sentiment - as it's very inspiring to meet other creatives, but also those who have "made it".
We exchanged numbers. He said he'd keep me in mind with regards to my art and fire staffing. I showed him my latest drawing and he absolutely loved it. It's wonderful seeing that energy take over people when they see my drawings.
"Wow"
"Oh my God"
"Whaaaaat"
Seem to be the usual reactions, followed by a lot of praise. The compliments still make me feel awkward. He agreed with my desire to hammer out as many galleries as possible in London and other cities. That is where I will be recognised. He was turned away by lots of record companies, but in the end he got signed to a big German label.
I know it'll only be a matter of time before I encounter a similar experience. It's all about networking, travelling and getting my work out there. So many people have told me that the talent is clearly there. I know it too. It's something that leaves a very good impression on those I meet. I just have to find the right people, and I firmly believe it'll help snowball this new career.
The foundation will be Art & Craft fairs initially, as this will be a steady income. Whilst I begrudge how much comission art galleries charge (35-55%) I know that it's the platform to truly get recognised in the art world.
Anyway, it was good to meet that guy again. Once again, I'm continuously putting out my desire and goal into the universe and I continually meet people who inspire and appreciate where my journey will take me.
I will admit, it's making these last few months at work even harder. Well, that, and the fact I'm refusing to do overtime. So I'm slowly drowning in my workload.
Still, in the grand scheme of things, the 3rd June isn't too far away. It's acting as impetus to drive my goal to succeed in my creative ventures. It'll also serve as a good success story when I'm older. Hopefully to encourage others to quit the rat race to follow their dream.
Ed
