Diana
The Floating Fay Realm, November 2016, Photograph in Walnut Springs Park
How did you get into debt?
The majority of debt is from student loans. When I started college they gave out loans and credit like candy. I was a single parent so it helped me make it through school but I didn't have any idea how to manage after I graduated. I defaulted on my student loans and then later was able to get them out of default but that induced a large increase in the amount that I owe. I crashed my finances several times before I figured out how to at least be somewhat stable. The debt is still high.
Dream Doodle, 2015, Cut paper and pen
How does your economic reality effect your art?
Debt limits my options and opportunities in art. It can bring your credibility into question and close doors where they normally might be open.
Deadly Beauty, November 2014, Sugar skull, beads, glitter glue, puff paint, paper dollie
Would your work look different if you weren't in debt?:
If you don't have money for supplies because you are paying on a huge debt you can still do art but it limits what you can do. Sometimes the limit is great and helps you achieve a deeper level of creativity but it also is frustrating to see a technique or style and want to explore it but not be able to get the supplies. There is also a lot to be said for learning through experimentation but debt can prevent you from being able to go to workshops or take extra courses to help you refine your skills more quickly. I think I would be a lot further along in my art career if I didn't have so much debt limiting my options.