Thirty three

Some years ago, I was told I would be comfortably settled into my career at age 33, by a random woman I met in Los Angeles, California. 

I was attending college, at the time, and found the news to be humorous, because I was about 21 years old, and this event seemed so far away, I thought it was pretty ridiculous. 

I had just switched majors from music performance to psychology, and I thought, for sure, this was nonsense, because there was no way it was going to take me 12 years to get settled into my career as a “psychologist”. 

I was in for one hell of a surprise. 

After transferring to the University of La Verne, I attended the college for one year as a psychology major before I switched to art, with an emphasis in studio.  I decided to keep the year as a psychology major relevant, by incorporating it as a minor.

I met my with my new advisor the very same day I switched.  After reviewing my new academic path, she asked me why.  I told her I wanted to become a famous artist, if that was even possible anymore.  And, with enthusiasm and encouragement, she replied, “Of course, it is!”

So, of course, I pursued my new career. 

It took me an additional 3 years to complete my degree, and by the time I graduated I was 27 years old.

During my graduation, I thought about the woman in LA, and chuckled, because I was ahead by 6 years. 

The joke was on me. 

New to a world without institutionalized education guiding my plans, I thought becoming an artist was going to come to me with open arms after completing my degree.  Though, this is far from the truth, a lot of doors opened and a lot of them closed. But one thing is definite: I never stopped pursuing my dream of becoming the artist I always aspired to be. 

I worked various jobs to pay my bills; attended events to meet more people and learned about other artists and their journeys.  I would set goals and reset them as unexplained, unfortunate events towered over certain parts of my life, and then I realized I was 33, and this IS the life of an artist. 

I’m so grateful for every step of this process.  For the people I’ve met, the support I’ve received, for ALL of the experiences, opportunities, and even the failures.  Without ALL of it, I would not be able to share my art with the world, like I am able to today!  

I hope my journey, and my artwork, inspires others to pursue their dreams as well!

Perseverance is key!

Never give up on what your heart desires, no matter how difficult the road gets; limitations are only challenges, not destinations. 

I’m excited to experience the next part of this journey, and whatever else the next 33 years brings. 

 

Stay Tuned! 

-Lund3on