Artists Footnote

"Developing my creativity and professional practise is absolutely a learning curve. For more than 20 years i enjoyed sharing my creativity with others, I gave away my work and used it often, informally, and in a voluntary capacity. To me it was a gift and a joy to share, it still is. Becoming a professional and working towards developing my work and practise means that I value my creativity in a different way, as a profession and as a means of earning a living, as well as aiming to offer a service that gives value for money, professionalism and enjoyment. On occasions, I am asked to do something for people I know. When this happens i am delighted! It is of course wonderful when those around you value what you do too. However sometimes I have then found myself in the embarrassing and awful position of having to say 'no I'm sorry I won't do this for you for nothing' my thoughts are, if I don't value what I do and say no, will others? I hope I speak not just for myself but for other artists too, please value us, we work hard, put alot of hours in that you don't see, and we need to pay bills too." Fiona :-)