What a creative force is this writer/poet/artist Joanna Streetly! She proves all one really needs is the urge to share one's visions with the world. Of course, it was difficult for her mother with five(!) young 'uns scrambling for her attention (that portrait by Elizabeth is stunning!), but she still seemed to make time for herself to honour the desire to create. Looks like Joanna was watching closely. Wonderful first interview in this series.
Rachel! This first-in-the-series makes me look so forward to more, too. Because this is SO so good. To read about the real life of a writer/artist, with a two day/week job, and the odd grant, and Oh!! the memories of flying to the mailbox with hope! How it was. The need to prioritize one work over another to sustain.
There was a time when an MFA was very writing-focused. Having taught in a program, and studied in another, I can say many now favour an academic approach. If you have a solid writing group, you have what you would in a program. I understand the drive, though. I'm currently taking courses in theology and keep wondering if I should "just do a degree." Then wonder if I'll enjoy it as much; as it is, I take the full length of time to fulfill one at a time course--nine months--and read thoroughly "outside" the reading list--which is how I wanted to study when I was a student... back when I opted for a history degree over English, for much the same reason as Joanna, and because story ideas visited me in history class, not English.
Congratulations, Joanna, on carving out and prioritizing a true artist's life! No easy thing!
Thank you, Alison-yes, it is useful and inspiring to see at a granular level how writers and artists make it all work. And I agree with you about the MFA, and taking courses now for the love of it (but always wondering about the road not taken).
This is such a wonderful idea for a series, Rachel. I enjoyed meeting this talented sensitive writer/painter via your thoughtful interview. One art form informs the other. Both are soul-growing acts of love.
What a creative force is this writer/poet/artist Joanna Streetly! She proves all one really needs is the urge to share one's visions with the world. Of course, it was difficult for her mother with five(!) young 'uns scrambling for her attention (that portrait by Elizabeth is stunning!), but she still seemed to make time for herself to honour the desire to create. Looks like Joanna was watching closely. Wonderful first interview in this series.
A creative force indeed--and inspiring to me also for her independent life on the water, often off the grid, always off the beaten path.
Rachel! This first-in-the-series makes me look so forward to more, too. Because this is SO so good. To read about the real life of a writer/artist, with a two day/week job, and the odd grant, and Oh!! the memories of flying to the mailbox with hope! How it was. The need to prioritize one work over another to sustain.
There was a time when an MFA was very writing-focused. Having taught in a program, and studied in another, I can say many now favour an academic approach. If you have a solid writing group, you have what you would in a program. I understand the drive, though. I'm currently taking courses in theology and keep wondering if I should "just do a degree." Then wonder if I'll enjoy it as much; as it is, I take the full length of time to fulfill one at a time course--nine months--and read thoroughly "outside" the reading list--which is how I wanted to study when I was a student... back when I opted for a history degree over English, for much the same reason as Joanna, and because story ideas visited me in history class, not English.
Congratulations, Joanna, on carving out and prioritizing a true artist's life! No easy thing!
Thank you, Alison-yes, it is useful and inspiring to see at a granular level how writers and artists make it all work. And I agree with you about the MFA, and taking courses now for the love of it (but always wondering about the road not taken).
This is such a wonderful idea for a series, Rachel. I enjoyed meeting this talented sensitive writer/painter via your thoughtful interview. One art form informs the other. Both are soul-growing acts of love.