Jerilea Zempel
How did you get into debt?
Ten years ago I took out a 30 year mortgage to buy a one bedroom apartment in New York. I also took out a loan to buy a car to travel between my apartment and a studio/house upstate.The apartment and house cost me less to maintain than a live-in studio in New York. My years of work are stored upstate as well.
How does your economic reality effect your art?
I left the teaching profession after 30 years without enough income to stop working, stay in New York City and make art. So I continue to work for an artist organization.
Would your work look different if you weren't in debt?:
I work to pay my debts. If I were debt-free, I would have more time to work. If I didn't work so much I'd have more time for my work and for sure it would evolve faster.
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