Hand Painted Gourds, Furniture and Decorative Folk Art
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 Ruff Life, a 33-foot 1971 Tradewinds Trawler |
The road to becoming a full-time artist |
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How did I go from career gal to struggling artist? In four words, I bought a boat. In 1997, my partner and I were living in Oregon when we had a pivotal discussion about everyman’s dream: quitting our jobs, buying a boat and heading for the Caribbean. A self-taught artist in my spare time, I dreamt of painting for real on some tropical isle like Gauguin. I knew absolutely nothing about boating, but the idea sounded so appealing (and romantic) that four months later Ken, collie Czar, and I were proudly sitting on our 1971 33-ft Marine Trader which we’d re-named Ruff Life. Being completely inexperienced and totally shell-shocked, by the time we arrived in Puerto Rico, I refused to go further. My painting hobby became my therapy, and I eventually became a licensed artesan for my work with higueras, or gourds.   |
    Sites of popular Puerto Rican Artists |
"How can I make such a drastic lifestyle change?" |
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You just jump right in. But as in all endeavors, it's much easier when a trailblazer has gone before you. Here's an exerpt from my guide, written after years of hard-earned experience:
"Artesans are not restricted by traditional art forms. Stainless steel sculptures and blown glass are exhibited next to coconut coffee cups and hand-rolled cigars. So, inspired by the beauty which surrounded me in La Parguera, on the southwest coast, I practiced on the local gourds, known as higueras, until I felt comfortable enough to make a pitch. My stained-glass artist friend, Evelyn, also wanted to become licensed and suggested we head for San Juan together. Thank goodness, because I didn’t know where to go, who to call, or what to bring." The Complete Artesan Package, with an expanded version of Working Overseas in Puerto Rico as a Licensed Artesan, PLUS 12 months of festivals to attend, show tips and local laws, will help you on your way to fulfilling your own dream. Order your copy today.
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