Why Art?

For as long as I could remember as a child I wanted to be a Veterinarian. I liked the idea of caring and healing animals although growing up I only had one pet. She was a guinea pig and once she was gone, it was a hard sell to get my parents to get me any animal larger than she was.  

In college, I ended up studying the arts. It seemed like a random pick for me as I started out as a Zoology major. I don't remember when the light clicked on in school that art was what I wanted to do, but my mother says she remembers clearly. She says I came home in my sophomore year and blatantly stated that I was changing my major to art. 

Back then, and sometimes like now (although I'm working to change this) I was a perfectionist. I wanted great grades and to be the best at what I was doing. The preliminary classes that I needed to take for my major were difficult and meant to serve as weed out courses. You know the courses that would separate those that could make the cut and those that couldn't. Well, I suppose I was one of the ones that couldn't, and it ate at me badly on the inside. 

I was studying harder than I had ever studied, had tutors and still wasn't getting the grades I thought I deserved. The information just wasn't sticking. The truth is, I was having trouble concentrating. It wasn't until years later that I understood my attention span to be about the size of a flea, and in science, that just doesn't cut the mustard. 

Again, I am unsure of what would make me want to resort to art as a major. I had taken a few classes in high school, which I loved. I took everything from drawing to jewelry making to sculpting. Each class was freeing to me. I was able to use my hands, be creative and socialize all at the same time. Time spent in class seemed to fly by and in the end, there was always something for me to take home that could be displayed. It was rewarding and sometimes useful. 

The transition from Zoology to art was fairly simple outside of having to stay a few extra semesters. Art classes were laid back and long...typically three-hour time blocks. The length was great because when creative juices started to flow three hours felt like twenty minutes. It was good for my attention span and I was all around a happier individual. My stress level surrounding my academic load was low and my grade point average was high. 

It was meant to be...art and me. It hasn't always been an easy and smooth ride for us, but a ride I don't mind taking to this day!!!

Corner of Gratitude:

Being able to have options

Pearls of Wisdom:
"If you want to achieve something, you're going to run into roadblocks, but you have to learn how to pivot and explore your options."

~ Hannah Bronfman

Your Thoughts:
What options have you chosen for the better?

Until next time...