Last week I submitted a grant, for the largest tier of fellowship - a grant designed to support an artist in their career and allows one to continue supporting their community, building skills and exploring their mediums. I spent hours and hours and hours sitting in front of the computer, thinking about all of the special connections I've made, my journey as a metalsmith and dreaming up where I want my career to go.
It was upon writing the grant proposal that I realized that as much as I am a photographer and a metalsmith, I am also a business geek. I have built many businesses, supported others in building theirs and as a former accountant, I just kind of love... witnessing the way that systems support creatives.
It should be no surprise that my sibling ended up a full time systems management specialist and OBM supporting businesses in this way, we've both got the... "we'll figure it out" gene and love the process of sharing knowledge, supporting others and the ability to map something from start to finish.
11 full pages of a mind dump later, I have pages of documentation about connections with people in my community that I've met through silversmithing. Emotional connections and projects that I've been a part of and trusted enough to create pieces of jewelry that hold a special place in someones life.
The email came through that there were 42 applications in the tier that I applied for, and there will be 3 awarded... and right now, just hitting submit, felt like a huge win. A huge risk to say, I've worked my ass off and think that this would support me in advancing my career at this pivotal point in learning fine jewelry techniques, design skills, ordering tools when I can afford them and making space in my schedule to practice, learn and know that ONE DAY, I will get to create even more precious pieces that hold even deeper meaning for those who cross my path.
Here is to the next chapter... whatever that shall look like ...
Make a wish, blow it in the wind and let time take her time planting the seeds xo
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