Southpaw Works

I've taken a short break from turning and painting and worked on a few "internal" projects- one for Melissa and one for Olivia. Once I get the project for Olivia done will probably try to turn a few pens.

I didn't get into turning (or painting or any hobby) to make money. It wasn't even on my radar. Painting was something I got into early during Emma's cancer diagnosis to help relieve stress. Turning was something I got into after we lost her to help with stress and sadness and to try to focus my mind somewhere besides the deep grief I struggled, and still struggle, with.

Now I have stacks of paintings and pens to the point I'm running out of room. From time to time people want to buy things for which I am profoundly grateful, and I’ve happily given plenty away or as gifts, but I'm not sure where things are going.

It's a fine line between creating and selling. Times are tight, people don't want to spend money and I totally get that. The stuff I create aren't essentials in the sense you need them to survive. I think we NEED art. I think art of all kinds is vital. But we **NEED** food, clothing and shelter and those things are astronomical right now. And there are a lot of artistic crafters out there to buy from these days.

But there is a reality that creating the things I do costs me time, money, talent, space, supplies, and equipment. There are glues to be purchased, blanks for pens, canvases, paints, equipment, saw blades, and a plethora of other things. If I sold every piece of art and all of the supplies and equipment I have right now, and at a premium price, I probably wouldn't break even. And that's okay.

If I were to announce that from here on out all my pens and paintings were free or pay what you want, I'd bet I'd have a request list to do me until the end of time. In a perfect world I'd be totally okay with that.

But this is the real world and just like everyone else, I feel the financial squeeze. We still have house payments, car payments, medical bills, a kid who just finished 4 years of college and is about to do 4 more, and a myriad of other payments. A guy is coming today to repair the leak on my fridge that I can't figure out...I wonder if he'd be interested in payment with a nice pen or an 11x14 painting? ;-)

I guess I’m just wondering out loud. I didn’t intend this as complaining…not at all! This isn’t meant to be finger pointing. A lot of people HAVE purchased things I’ve created and, frankly, I’m still in a bit of awe that anyone would want anything I make…but that’s a story about “imposter syndrome” for another time.

If I could, I'd be just as happy giving stuff away all the time. But there is also a balance that while I do always feel like an imposter, art is worth *something*. Art has a value.

I love creating. I love this whole thing. I’m just trying to gain some perspective. It’s more of just an observation for myself, to figure out what to do here. How to move forward in a creative space.

A sincere and heart felt DEEP thank you to every person who has even considered purchasing anything form South Paw Works. it is very much appreciated.

Pretty neat build this morning. 30 cal. kit with authentic Maker’s Mark oak barrel wood. Nice grain in this oak!

I will have this, my other pens and some of my paintings at Benton shooter supply on June 27 from 10 AM to 2 PM. They are having a car show with vendors to help support the Polk County high school baseball team. Come out and see me and buy some stuff! 🙂

 I’ve got some pretty cool kits and wood that just came in so I hope to have some really special items at that event.