I just watched “Really Love” on Netflix. The film is beautiful and it inspired me on my journey in film.
Like all other films on love, it left me feeling lonely at the end.
But that wasn’t the worst of my feelings following the film. I found myself crying afterward. Not because I’m single. But because I’m running out of hope.
“We’re all artists. I just happen to paint.”
I have worked in and toward and career in the arts my whole life and I struggle to call myself an artist sometimes. Maybe that’s why I’m ready to give up. Not all the way but almost.
I have no Yusef cheering me on. No curator waiting to show me off.
But do I need that? If this is what I want for my life, shouldn’t I just be able to give it to the world?
But I’m getting older. And I feel like I’m losing the time freedom to “be an artist.” Especially an unpaid one. Most times, I’m just barely getting by.
Do I get a day job and just art on the side? Or do I bet on myself and go all in?
I’ve been on this see-saw for some time now. Maybe I need to stop bouncing between the two and make a choice.
But Isaiah Washington is a character. I’m a real person living a real life.
Maybe I should start pretending.