Journalism > Art

So. I feel the need to apologize to my 11 or so dedicated readers (hey guys!) who so patiently stand the very -- dare I say it -- unbearingly long hiatus in-between my blog posts. I promise you this, I visit this website just about every day and start typing out a new thought, only to question myself and the content I spit out. Will my loyal fans really want to read about my incessant flossing habits? I mean, they're probably interested, right? What about my latest LOST theories? Or the worst PMS of all time?! Cue: unfollow!

Truth is, I have a confession to make to you, Internet. My boat is being rocked big time these days and I'm not sure what to totally make of it yet. My family and closest friends don't know what to make of it either. Right, I'll get to it, then.

A few months ago I had someone prophesy over me that God will touch many people through my writing. Smiling, I thought of this little blog and the loyal 11 (now 10) followers that have stuck with me through my infrequent posts about eating too much candy, dealing with failing eyesight, and the bus system of Laguna Beach (riveting stuff!). As I made the move from the Bay Area down to Orange County last August and started out art school fresh out of the E.R., what turned into a way to keep in touch with friends has become a therapeutic place of joy and solace. I found time and time again that I was able to grasp and accept my poor vision and reliance upon public transportation through writing sometimes better than any other method. I have always had a deep seated love for writing in all forms, but it's something I've shied away from wanting to pursue career-wise, knowing that art has been expected of me since the ripe age of 3... so art I have grown to love and nourish.

I am going to leave art school.

Actually, this news really might not be as shocking for you, Internet, as it has been for those that have known me since my days of shoving crayons up my nose in my eagerness to dwaw pwetty picshaws. Many A few of you have encouraged me to pursue writing a novel or two, and I am very interested in that and have begun to work on one, but I think this is something bigger. I get such a joy out of writing, out of doing THIS, that I want to explore it deeper. Make something out of it. I believe that writing holds such a cavernous level of opportunity for me, the artist-turned-writer, that I cannot ignore it.

To those that are calling out to their nearby loved one, imaginary friend, or garbage man to help them scrape up their jaws from the floor, I offer a little bit more explanation:

1. I liked some aspects of art school and I'm glad I tried it out. I've wanted to go my entire life, and now that I've done it, I regret nothing.
2. I will never give up painting and drawing. I still love it, I just don't want a degree in it.
3. This has little to do with my eyes. Yes, getting a degree in art seems rather foolhardy considering I am gambling on the use of good vision in my future, but even without my little buddy RP I would still be composing this post.
4. I learned a lot this past year and my art is worlds better. Again, I'm glad I went to art school for a year and I do not view it as a waste. Yes, I am far behind scholastically, but I am okay with that as long as I am following my dreams.
5. I have been thinking about this decision for the last two or so months, and have spent time in constant prayer and conversation with family and close friends to determine that this is not a move made hastily. It isn't.
6. I have a yearning in my heart to write that I've never felt about art. I feel like art and I are good buds that will always hang out, but writing is my soulmate. At the risk of sounding like the cheese ball that I am, it feels so right.
7. I think I can touch more people with my writing than my art, and that folks, has been the goal all along.
8. I am planning on attending a community college this next fall to re-prep my General Ed and transfer to a four year university thereafter. I will continue to live in Orange County (after a brief three month rendezvous with my peeps in the Bay this summer).
9. The goal is to study journalism and pursue a degree in arts journalism. Writing about art, what could be more perfect?!
10. Yes, Jon supports me. He would support me if I claimed my new life goal was to star in the next Twilight movie or be the next Rachael Ray (yeah right on both those accounts). My parents are supportive as well; art school is expensive!

There is a part of me that feels like I'm cheating on myself. All my life, I have striven to assemble an artistic image of myself. Moody. Different. "Oh, that's Laura. She pronounces her name Lar-uh. Isn't that so cool and artsy?" "Oh, there goes Laura. She dresses really strange but it's because she's an ARTIST." See the pride that's been working itself out? The notion of being an artist is admittedly more cool and unique than a writer -- how boring and normal. But how much joy do I really get out of painting? Am I just in it for the praise and glory? I don't know, but I do know that I would rather visit a gallery and do a write-up on the work I see rather than be the hand behind the work. I know that I have a long ways to go, but finally, FINALLY, I am at the beginning of a great and long adventure that I was born to explore. I would love your criticism, prayers, and feedback. If you want to yell at me and tell me I'm wasting my talent, go for it. If you want to throw me a fist pump over the interwebs, be my guest. If you want to tell me my writing sucks, well... er, email me.

Thanks guys. Your love and support is BEYOND treasured.