Vault Two: Assorted Writings, Reviews and Commentary

Anyone who is an artist—let me add serious artist-- knows just how difficult a task it can be. Back breaking work, long hours, disillusionment and endless frustrations are just a few of the problems. Couple all that with the occasional indignities, low pay and nearly endless flow of assorted types that want something for nothing, it can be a very harsh cold business. The one consolation that comes is that if you do it long enough, commit to it, and really enjoy it, the pay offs take some of the sting off of the problems.

Easily my biggest disappointment as a writer arrived when a magazine I committed myself to folded. Although the pay was low, the work difficult and the hours long, the skills acquired and the lessons learned were in some ways worth it all. While I miss the glossy pages, the assignments, the insurance, being able to do what I love doing with little interference, incredible job satisfaction and freedom to be and do what I want, I will never miss the occasional slights, the class consciousness and the over emphases placed on wealth, status symbols and youth.

Like all things in art, that one ran its course. But it was a great run and it ended a period that I had spent a lot of time working towards.

Out of frustration with the limited options, wages that can never keep up with the rising cost of everything and the seemingly endless apathy and lack of joy over anything, I wanted to put my thoughts out there and do what I love doing, expressing myself. Thank you for reading, and spread the word. I am always looking for the next gig, the next golden opportunity.