On the balance between work and happiness as an artist... A little internal skullduggery. Churning it out just doesn't work. Pic - some of my recent kiln work.


Hand Crafted, or "For Love or Money?"

It is said the greatest joy, in employ
Is to do what one loves best
But what if the dream job leaves you robbed
Of creativity, of zest?

For the money, a production line is fine
But where does that leave art?
If I must become machine, I glean
From this toil I must depart

In a battle to save my soul, stay whole
Still making sure the bills are paid
I"ll choose mental health above all wealth
And keep my work hand made.



Poetry by Purple Phoenix
Read 939 times
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Written on 2014-02-23 at 16:34

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Editorial Team The PoetBay support member heart!
This text has been chosen to be featured on the home page of PoetBay. Thank you for posting it on our poetry website.
2014-03-01


Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
Sorry. I see that you said they were.
2014-02-28


Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
This is a fun poem. Good luck. Were those pendants made by you?
2014-02-28


Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
This is a fun poem. Good luck. Were those pendants made by you?
2014-02-28


Elle The PoetBay support member heart!
The inner torment of an artist, I know myself that juggling between sacrificing all for art and just to put food on the table - We have to live but we live for our art, a hard compromise and the rude realities of life do need to be met at times - lovely work, beautiful in fact, thank you for sharing your art

Elle x
2014-02-23



I've always envied those few whose jobs give them satisfaction as well as an income. Most of my jobs have been primarily a way to bring in money to live. It was only when I got home that I could do the things that I enjoyed--like writing poetry, for instance.

Beautiful craft-work--and a fine poem to go with the photo.
2014-02-23



A person whose only motivation in life is making money lacks passion and soul. I applaud both your poem and your decision.
Hopefully your children will still have enough to eat. :) Your art is stunning.
2014-02-23