Living a Creative Life - Gratitude

*Note this is a repost from a while ago but with the loss of my sister I am reposting it in gratitude. Without her this life path would not have been possible.

Not too long ago I was on the phone with my sister. I asked her what she was doing and she said "Oh, you know, living the dream" in an off-hand sarcastic way we generally do. It got me thinking about my choice of life path and realized that although things are difficult sometimes and I struggle, mostly I can say that and actually mean it.

 I am living my dream. 

I chose this path a long while ago. Honestly - I think it chose me long before I consciously made the decision to pursue my passions - photography - creative arts - crafts - and teaching. Once I chose that path - everything I did was so that I could continue living this life. Multiple side gigs long before it was "the thing" to pay the rent, feed & clothe myself and well purchase what I needed to create work, and learn new skills. A lot of horsetrading and generous humans paying it forward.

At first, teaching as a goal was something I wrote into an application for the certificate program at the Photographic Center Northwest. But my mentor, Claire Garoutte, saw something in me I did not see myself.

I tell the story to anyone who will listen that Claire is one of those people that you will walk into her office just to say hi and come out and say to yourself "Wait, what did I just agree to?". She has a way of chatting up your dream (sometimes one you didn't even know you had) as if it were already a fact. 

I cannot tell you how many dreams she helped launch into reality. 

Fine Art Photography - my quiet amongst the storm.

Teaching - which I now count as one of my greatest joys and Travel - specifically to France. I swear she knew what would happen before I ever left the ground. It was love at first sight. 

She helped me find, and recognize my own vision. She and the community that is the Photographic Center NW quite literally changed and continues to change my life. 

I have been involved with the Photographic Center NW for almost 30 years now. Teaching there for 20, where does the time go?

I could have never imagined such a path without Claire, without this community. Teaching has been and is one of my greatest joys. I have, for so many years taught the foundational skills to so many. Hoping that I also pass on the passion and love for photography that others helped me find. And best of all to watch as students grow, learn, and eventually make it their own and find their own voice and vision. To create the work they want to create.

This for me is part of "Living the dream."

I tell Claire on a regular occasions that I want to be her when I grow up. She always grins and says no "I want to be you". The thing is - once in a while - when I witness one of my students, in that moment when they realize their vision - take flight and make it their own - in those moments ...well.

So here's to all those that have helped me dream, and pursue those dreams. Not the least of which - are you - my dear Patrons. 

Merci - Gina