There are times when I feel like a total phony. I go to the websites of other artists and illustrators and I think, "What am I doing calling myself an artist?!" I start comparing myself, and feeling like I should be doing more, better, different or something. It is the silliest thing ever, and not at all productive, helpful or inspiring.

I think because I have been in such a state of drifting with my work – not especially focused on any one thing, but more scattered in a number of directions – I feel like I have nothing to show for the last year or so. Nothing could be further from the truth however. I re-designed my entire website and have added dozens of new pages and features, I have kept up with a number of clients who have sent me work consistently this entire time, I have twenty or so paintings in the works (and one already sold), new Swirly products in the works & on the market and my latest collage book is almost half full. There are other projects I have kept up with as well, not to mention just keeping our household running smoothly, coordinating travel plans and dealing with various family issues. It is so funny how easily we can slip into feeling like we are not accomplishing our goals when we start comparing ourselves to others when in reality we are right where we belong.

I think part of my problem – although I think it is a great "problem" to have – is that I have so many ideas swirling around in my brain on any given day. Ideas for collages, paintings, stories, articles, essays, books, photography projects, documentary films, my business cards, an art camp for kids and on and on and on. I wake up and end each day wishing I had more time to CREATE.

And so I’ve found my answer. That is why I call myself an artist. I know of no other way to be.