We were lucky to catch up with Gary Mackender recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gary, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

In both fields of the visual arts and music, it’s a bit of a struggle to make a living. It’s taken me quite a few years to find my own voice but I am fortunate that I am now able to sell many of my art pieces and also have as much work as I want to take on as a musician. I think my best work is always the next thing I do, although now at 70 years old, I’d say the last 10 years have been the most fruitful and productive.

My university field of study was fine arts, and I’ve played music all along, so much of whatever ‘success’ I now have is due to keeping an interest in both fields, trying out new things often, and just being persistent and determined. I’m not sure there is a way to ‘speed up the process’ as timing is so individual in the creative fields.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At my age (70) I’m at a point where I’m creating what pleases me. In my music work (carnivaleros.com) I have a band where we mostly play material I’ve written from the seven CDs I’ve released since 2003. I only play locally anymore and we have a loyal group of fans who follow what we do, and attend performances.

In the visual art world, I have a couple galleries that show my work, but mostly I use social media which seems to generate enough interest to find homes for my pieces. My work is a bit unusual so it takes someone who would like something quite different to hang in their home, office, or work environment.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The main thing about being a visual artist and musician is that I look forward to getting out of bed every morning. At 70, that’s saying something! There are usually 2-3 projects in process in my art studio and I’m always thinking ahead about what I want to try next. I also am busy writing songs, rehearsing with other musicians, and practicing my instruments. All of these endeavors keep my mind active, along with reading an average of 70 books per year.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I know some people think of themselves as non-creatives, but I think everyone has it in them to bring back the curious kid they once were. It’s about play—it can be considered serious play, it can be fun play—but the act of taking off your grown-up outfit and sticking your hands in the mud can be a release.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.garymackender.com, https://www.carnivaleros.com
• Instagram: gmac_arts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gary.mackender.mixedmedia
• Other: https://vimeo.com/homesteadstudio