Work. Art. Play.

There are so many buzz-phrases around “work-life balance” that the concept runs the risk of losing its meaning. For me, and for others too I suspect, work IS life, and life IS work. There simply isn’t a clear demarcation between work and the rest of “life” (whatever that means). As an artist, my work can be in the studio, in my office managing my art business, meeting clients or other artists, packing, installing or de-installing artworks, or a hundred other tasks. I love art but I also take my business seriously, and use various business tools to help me stay on track.  

My husband Glenn is also my business partner and is often tackling many of these tasks or in the workshop building transport crates and designing hanging systems. We’ll usually take breaks together and enjoy a coffee in the garden (usually while discussing the tasks at hand).

Is this life? Or is this work?

Like most people though, tasks associated with making a living are not the only things we’re responsible for. We’re undertaking major renovations and we live (and work) amid the rubble and interruptions. I’m also a University student, and my studies not only feed my artistic inspiration, they spark new and interesting discussions at home, adding interest to our daily conversations.

Once again, work = life.

Underpinning everything is our human relationships – I’m fortunate that my relationships are nourishing and supportive, although they require commitment and mutual effort to keep them healthy. With ageing parents, six children and seven grandchildren, we are never short of family interaction, including baby-sitting duties!

So with regular studio practice, an art business to run, study, a busy home life, and dynamic relationships, how is it possible to ‘balance’ life and work, juggle commitments, and stay happy? For me, it’s all about mitigating chaos. Going with the flow is one thing, (and often leads to great artworks!) but bouncing erratically from task to task, not planning carefully, or not knowing what is happening when – leads to forgotten tasks, letting people down, and stress.

So I schedule studio days, study days, and admin days. My business plan guides what key priorities are my focus for this month or quarter, and all appointments are logged in a household calendar. It manages to keep me on track most of the time. BUT - importantly, (and yes, also on the calendar!) we also schedule coffee dates, family time, and other fun activities.

From time to time we’ve lost sight of these fun elements, and it’s not long before enthusiasm wanes, irritability rises, and focus diminishes.

That’s when I remind myself – no matter what is going on, there has to be time for clowning around.

Sonnet (detail), acrylic on canvas, 160 x 120cm.