Whether you're an artist, a carpenter, teacher or a farmer, the following applies

An art residency can be many things, but for me the most important part is the conversations had with like minded individuals landed together into a small community for a given time. Now that I'm home and had a few weeks to acclimate back into the daily grind, I wanted to share a few nuggets from those conversations that still ring in my ears.

Whether you're an artist, a carpenter, teacher or a farmer, the following applies:

• If your passion or dream is not your priority, its a hobby. If that is all you need, fine, but if not then show up and do the hard work. 
• You must stretch outside your comfort zone and flourish through the boundaries of your imagination while being present and accountable. Accept and work through all feelings associated with that growth; the good, the bad and the ugly. 
• There is plenty of "good enough" in this world. You are better than that. If you make or do something that isn't quite right, accept that you must erase it and start over. Never settle. 
• You must believe in your work. The rest of us can see the difference. 
• When you believe in your work people will want to see you succeed. Accept that there aren't enough hours in the day to learn and complete everything associated with building your business, ask for help in appropriate measures. We all enjoy contributing our talents to build something great. 
• Know what you are worth and balance that worth with reality. You are not a sell out just because you have to pay bills now. Death and taxes are imminent. Do what you need to do quickly and then get back to realizing your dream. 

Two artworks of Caesar's Head Park, SC; back on the studio wall in Kansas City

Thank you Rensing Center family and fellow residents, Jude and Ryan, for allowing me the time and resources to recenter myself artistically.

Onward to more adventures,
Michele Fritz
www.michelefritz.com