I got into debt when I took out student loans for Graduate School.
I rely on painting sales and my position as the painting professor for Houston Community College Northeast Campus where I teach art appreciation to help me afford living and painting costs.
Last year was my first year outside of Graduate School, and I taught four to five classes a semester to try to pay off debt and afford a nice studio. This year, I wanted more time to paint, so I moved my studio into my home and teach only two classes per week. However, it's been so financially stressful lately that I will have to teach more next semester and just sleep and get out in the community less so that I can still paint just as much. It will be a balancing act. I have to be resourceful and creative to have enough supplies. Affording paint can be tough.It's better to be poor and make more work although the financial stress can keep me up at night. It's a tough trade off, but I've learned that my time is more valuable than any possessions....however...money for health insurance is definitely something I wish for...
