But it’s certainly simpler than the feeling of powerlessness one experiences when given an entire day, week, lifetime to make one’s art—and still not knowing exactly how to do it.
Chekhov famously referred to his writing as his mistress, his career as his wife. Then again, Chekhov, a doctor, seems to have got a lot out of his meaningful day job.
So, my advice: You quietly look for a job you dislike less. Or, then again, maybe not. There’s something to be said for a clear-cut dichotomy, and for not putting a huge amount of energy into making every single aspect of your life perfect. Anecdotally, I spent a good number of months last year renovating a house, packing and unpacking, and put my work on hold.
I’m glad that I️ get to live somewhere nice, but I’m looking forward to putting a little less energy into the life sector, and to giving myself more space to do my drawing. (P.S., I️ wrote this four months ago, just before having a baby and taking maternity leave!)
On an even more personal note, I loved reading your e-mail. I love knowing that there are people in the world who care about making things so much. I need to be reminded that I do, too.
Pepper
