Question about artistic ability and career

[Littlek]

I have a question that I have been thinking about for a longgggg time. God has given me an artistic ability, I have made and alot of different things, from painting, sculpting, scrapbooking, drawing, sewing, etc. I used to go to craft shows long ago, probably 10 yrs ago. I really enjoy working with my hands and creating art. My question is, is it right for me to use my ability to make money. I guess it would be for bills, and of course supplies. I don't want to waste this talent, but I don't know if selling it for necessities is the right thing to do, maybe I feel greedy? I went to nursing school and quit at one time because my heart was in art, but then I went back to nursing school and worked 7 yrs and didn't do to much artisic stuff. Now I stay home due to fibromyalgia but I still love to do as much as I can with my hands. Just wondered what you all thought, would love some advise. I feel like this is the true me, where my heart is.

Karen

 

[oi_antz]

I have a question that I have been thinking about for a longgggg time. God has given me an artistic ability, I have made and alot of different things, from painting, sculpting, scrapbooking, drawing, sewing, etc. I used to go to craft shows long ago, probably 10 yrs ago. I really enjoy working with my hands and creating art. My question is, is it right for me to use my ability to make money. I guess it would be for bills, and of course supplies. I don't want to waste this talent, but I don't know if selling it for necessities is the right thing to do, maybe I feel greedy? I went to nursing school and quit at one time because my heart was in art, but then I went back to nursing school and worked 7 yrs and didn't do to much artisic stuff. Now I stay home due to fibromyalgia but I still love to do as much as I can with my hands. Just wondered what you all thought, would love some advise. I feel like this is the true me, where my heart is.

Karen

I believe the best job to get is something you enjoy doing. There are many commercial artists, if you are able to make a living by doing it then you should go for it!

 

[LilLamb219]

When I was younger, I used to feel guilty for wanting to go into an art career instead of something that I thought was more helpful to mankind. But as I grew, I saw that my art is a blessing to others! I think what really hit home was when I started doing murals for my church, creating logos for the church and the various committees and groups and designing posters, programs, etc....

God has given you a talent you can appreciate. Others can appreciate it as well and you don't have to just do things for the church (I'm not saying that's all I do, I was just giving examples of how I saw my art as a blessing). You can eke out a living through art and use those skills you have been given! Don't feel guilty or think you're being greedy. God has provided for you in this way

 

[heron]

When you think about it, everyone's jobs are based on abilities they have.

Art isn't always lucrative, and sometimes the yield is less than minimum wage. But if you want to make money from it, pray that God will direct your steps and help you make wise decisions.

There is a Christian artists organization that has been around for many years, where you can read articles on integrating faith with art: CIVA. Christians in the Visual Arts.

People who make regular money from craft fairs usually devote their whole year to a travel schedule of fairs around the country. Local artists do this too, of course; but it takes time, money and space to build up inventory only comes to a couple shows.

You probably know about Etsy.com -- if you don't, take a look.

There are also communities of artists contributing at many sites where digital files are uploaded, and then printed as products or sold to ad agencies. (Getty Images, Istockfoto, Spoonflower, Cafepress, Zazzle...) But then you wouldn't get that same feeling of working with your hands.

If you are good with detailed realism, look at what medical illustrators have done to assist with surgery and research.

In scriptures, you can read about the building of the temple, where craftsmen were assigned design of fabric items, sculptures, wall carvings, and religious utensils.

You might also enjoy reading Dorothy Sayer's The Mind of the Maker, to answer some of your questions on whether expression of creativity is part of God's will for you.

 

[Littlek]

Thank you so much for your replies.

LilLamb219,
I enjoy painting murals too! I did them in our previous home, I'm so glad my hubby didn't mind, haha. I thank God all the time for my artisitic skills, it makes me happy, and I feel at peace and close to God whenever I am creating something. I have my own craft room that is just so nice to work in. I usually end up playing music and do a lot "thinking" when I work, I just connect to God this way too.

Thanks again to you all,

Karen

 

[Aibrean]

I wouldn't have a house or husband or pets if I didn't make a career out of it.

Everyone's job stems from their ability to do it

 

[RisingSpirit]

I need to get back to painting. Me, teaching healing via Qi should be free, I believe. If I charge, the quality of teaching it might not be good.

 

[heymikey80]

It is certainly right to "work with your hands" to go toward your sustaining your life and health. Generally you will need to be artistic to meet someone else's desire to pay for your work in this case. "I guess that's why they call it work."

On the other hand, if you want to do something recreational and make money, that's fine. Just do it to God's glory, not to obtain money you don't need. Enjoy and express yourself in recreation. If that yields more affluence, great!