Megan Caldwell Chandler

Thanksgiving is over, and I’m back in the studio.  I’m sorry for not posting last week, but I decided to dedicate the holiday to spending time with my family and having fun.  I also want to thank everyone who read my last post and who gave me kind words; they are always appreciated.

This week I’ve spent my time dabbling in several different things: collage, mixed media, drawing, and bookmaking.  I may have mentioned before, but when I go back and forth between media I feel as if I’m lost and wandering without any real destination.  However, this week I’ve finally grasped why I’m always pursuing every new idea that pops into my head.  When I consider many of my artistic contemporaries, I realize they have likely spent the last eight years pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts and extensive studio work.  I, on the other hand, spent my last eight years navigating the (often times) frustrating world of teaching.  The time I spent working on my creative craft was sporadic at best.  This leaves me well behind the curve.

So, what are my options?  I have entertained the idea of returning to school to pursue a graduate degree.  This would require a boat load of money (sweet Jesus, it always goes back to money).  My other option is to pursue my creative endeavors on my own.  This is what I’m doing now, and this is why it is acceptable for me to change directions in the studio on an hourly basis.  I suppose I’m trying to find my compass and hone my skills as an artist while making up for lost time.  This is a good thing.  Perhaps one day I’ll go back to university and earn another degree.  Until then I’ll continue to wander without being lost.

Untitled, 9″x12″, Collage on Paper