Lunchtime Lecture- Summer Balcom M.

This Tuesday I was able to attend an excellent lunchtime lecture featuring Summer Balcom and her experience as a local artist. Summer was able to talk about her process in becoming a full time artist starting from her high school years and college, and leading into her professional career. I was particularly interested in her work because she does sculpture and ended up combining illustration with practical pottery.

I always have been curious about making usable art. pieces and Summer does a great job creating unique works of art that are easy to sell because of their usability. The etching she does on her pottery also intrigues me because it puts drawing on a 3D form.

Summer also stressed the need to network. Most of her biggest gigs came about from simply being known and posting on social media. Some of this also starts now, in high school, since she got her first job that way.

Even though she stopped doing artwork for a bit, Summer was able to get back into art after a few years of teaching. It is encouraging to think that if I ever do fall out of making art I can still come back to it and be successful.

Summer was very encouraging and made it seem possible to create a successful art business and career. I have considered starting a small art business if I ever get the time. I don't know exactly what I would do with it but it is excellent to know that it is a possibility.

Find Summer on Instagram: @summerbee_clay