Hi Kathleen,

One question I have for you is:  Do you need to do this to earn $$? Or are
you more or less set financially?

Depending on your answer--If your answer is yes, you need income to support
your family, then I would think that there might be more lucrative pursuits
you could engage in, artistically speaking.  But of course, you might link
up with a benefactor who is in need of your brand of exquisite orchid
illustrations, so it could pan out positively. It would be a matter of
making that connection.

If, on the other hand your answer is no, you don't really need to support
yourself fully with illustration work, then I say go for the gusto.  If
orchids are your obsession, drown yourself in orchids.  Making art for the
love of it is a
long, time-honored tradition.  There is no better food for the soul than
satisfying the creative urge.

I NEVER try to discourage artists from pursuing their dreams--I always
support their wish to create, because there are precious few people who are
brave enough to give it a try these days.  If you put artists on one side of
a scale, and a load of MBAs on the other side, there would be no contest--in
America business seems to win every time.  It takes a very talented and
courageous person to choose the art life, and to live out their aspirations.

All you need when you encounter nay-sayers, such as your pessimistic friend,
is a smidgen of confidence--you know what you want better than anyone else
because it sings to you--and your optimism and excitement about your goals
can guide you.  And, it is never too late to reawaken a passion for art.

AS Joseph Campbell said, follow your bliss, and don't look back -- you might
regret it when you are in
your dotage, and wishing that you had relented to your creative calling.

Best,

Chris


Chris Gralapp
Medical and Scientific Illustration
415.454.6567
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