Art is More Than a Hobby

     My teenager and I became immersed in a deep conversation last night that lasted until 2:30 this morning. He came to me feeling a upset about some things that his best friend had said to him earlier in the day. They were discussing plans for their future, as most teenagers do when they are on the brink of adulthood. His friend has a very set plan of joining the military and going forward from there to do police work. Even though my son does not want such a path for himself, he respects his friends decision to pursue that for his future. When it came to my son's plans, the respect was not reciprocated.
     I have raised my son with very open beliefs, trusting that only he knows the correct path for his happiness. Whatever he chooses to do, I am supportive. He is wise beyond his 17 years and I fully trust his ability to choose his path to happiness. He is a highly creative individual and thrives in being able to express himself creatively. He is not a textbook learner and the public school system failed him. He was bullied by his peers, made to feel inadequate by his teachers and the school administration. He left there with a total distaste for formal education. He has taken his learning into his own hands and despite pressure from his Dad and Grandparents, has found what works for him.
     He has a natural born talent for singing and playing piano. Completely self-taught, he is thriving. He does not fit into the mold of a traditional teenager and finds no use for things like high school dances and sporting events. He would rather spend his time in quiet reflection and observation of the world around him. He is such a loving soul and it pains him to see people unhappy. He believes that life is meant to be lived in the moment with full joy, not slaving away in an dead end job only to squeeze in moments of joy on weekends. He is passionate about living life doing what he loves to do, not what others expect him to do. I agree with him and am amazed at his ability to see this at 17.  I didn't see it until I was in my forties.
     He recognizes that he is not doing things in a society conforming way. What he doesn't understand is why his best friend is judging him and condemning him for wanting to choose a different path. Upon hearing of his future plans, his friend commented "Art is a hobby not a career, so what is your back-up plan?" The discussion went on from there to reveal that his friend doesn't feel like writers should get paid because all they do is write stories.
     This triggered something in me. I was so angered by this shallow viewpoint that it prompted me to reflect on my beliefs about my artistic life. I believe that people should love what they do for a living and that everyone has unique talents that are specifically designed for them to live a life a true happiness. Each individual is part of the whole and that all of our parts are equally important, regardless of how it is viewed by a hierarchical society. Every individual has the right to live their dreams. So to all of the people trapped by societal beliefs, I say, "Art is more than a career, it is a way of life. You can do what you love to do and you should settle for nothing less than your ultimate happiness."
     Mosaic art makes me happy. Whether I am making hundreds of polymer clay tiles, or setting pieces of glass, I am at peace. I have never held a traditional job where I could say that. I take extreme pride in my work and enjoy the process of creating mosaic art. I pour my heart and soul into every piece. I am so grateful that I have finally found what I love to do and I am determined to make a successful career out of it. In so many ways I already have because each time I work on a project and feel peaceful and happy, I am successful. Art is so much more than a hobby for me, it is my career and my life. I hope to continue to set a good example for my son by pursuing my dreams and by making a living doing what I love to do!