As I was "leaving the nest" and entering adulthood, what I truly wanted was an artistic or creative career. However, my family thought the only "acceptable" career was one working with computers. So I took one of the only creative careers related to computers: technical documentation and user-centered design.

Outside of work, I had two separate art instructors really bash my work, telling me that my art isn't any good, that I'll never become an artist, and that my work isn't artistic enough. It was shocking and really sent me into a tail spin. It took me about 10 years to get past the first one, only to have a second art instructor bash my work again. Totally destroyed my confidence in my artistry.

I wasn't quite sure what to believe. That was now TWO art instructors who said my work was junk. Fortunately, there was a small quiet voice in the back of my head that said they were wrong. So, I put all the work for each of those classes into separate drawers in my flat files - and didn't look at them again for another 3 years. When I finally got them out and looked at them again, I was pretty impressed with myself and what I **was** able to accomplish. But I'm still pretty shy about sharing my work with others.

Except that I am comfortable sharing my digital composite work with others - a skill I've been developing for some time on my own.

Here is an example of the work that my art instructor told me was good for nothing but the garbage bin. It's a still life called Patterned Vase:

Preparing for an Encore Career - image 1 - student project

I'm proud to say that this piece is now not only copyrighted, but it has been sold to a lovely lady who has it displayed in her breakfast nook, who loves to look at it every morning as she drinks her coffee.

Please don't ever let an art instructor get you down on yourself. Seek multiple opinions - many, MANY opinions. You might just find someone who loves it enough to buy it.

At this point in my life, I realize that I can pursue ANY career that I want! So I've decided to explore many different creative avenues to see what my "Encore Career" might be. According to Wikipedia, "An encore career is work in the second half of life that combines continued income, greater personal meaning, and social impact."

I have many creative interests: digital compositing, watercolors, acrylics, cold wax, lettering, calligraphy, and much more. I'm hoping to learn more about how I can put together a portfolio of work that might continue to help me earn money from my creative interests over time.

Right now, I'm focused on creative play. Just experimenting and trying out different media and subject matter. Learning what I love and what I like and what's just "meh." Having fun. Learning to use Procreate. Bringing more play and joy into my creative world.

As for the emotions that I hope those who see my art feel? I'm still playing with this. For right now, I think I want to bring a smile to people's faces, help them feel better or more expansive, and to spread energy, love, and light.

Here is an example of the digital compositing work that I do:

Preparing for an Encore Career - image 2 - student project

Lightworker (Anne M. Gaal; All rights reserved.)

"Are you a Wayshower? Lightworkers, Starseeds, Wanderers, Earth Angels, and other wayshowing volunteers have come to Earth at this time to assist in Mother Earth's energetic Ascension from the 3rd Dimension to the 5th Dimension. You are here to share your positive energetic vibration, shine your light brightly, and spread love and light to all beings and to Mother Earth herself. Metatron is fond of Wayshowers and will assist you in these activities, as well as helping you in your personal Ascension. Metatron is represented here with the 2D version of his Metatron Cube. The cheetah represents that these energetic shifts may occur quickly. And the lotus flower represents spiritual enlightment, self-regeneration, and rebirth."

This image is currently available on products at Redbubble, through my husband's account (Brian Fields):
https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/51173257

Anne Gaal

creating, playing, & having fun!

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