We were lucky to catch up with Cheryl Tall recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cheryl, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

Learning how to run a business Dealing with customers
Keeping records
Creating publicity and using social media
Studio upkeep and maintenance
Storage space for and organization of available work
Prospecting for future exhibitions and art events
Creating and maintaining a teaching program
Creating and maintaining an inventory and collector’s database
Building relationships with other artists, collectors, art institutions, galleries, city art programs, guilds and leagues
Finding time and inspiration to make new and cutting edge art
You can tell that being an artist is a full time job!

Cheryl, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

A shy child who liked to dream and draw, read books about far off lands, create and illustrate stories, and sing and dance. Sold 1st artwork at age 13 to one of my teachers.
Won an art prize at age 18, and my art traveled around the world with a UNICEF project
Took all the art courses I could find in High School, College and with private teachers.
Participated in Artist Residencies around the world, and learned new techniques
Read lots of how to books and practiced on my own.
Created a website
Designed and operated a series of workshops and clay classes at my studio
Won numerous prizes
Got work in museums and prominent collections
Got images of work published in magazines and books
Purchased kilns and clay tools and set up a studio
Created an inventory and event database

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of my favorite times when making art is when I get in the flow that is almost like a meditation. I am so involved in what I am doing that I lose track of time! When I am in this time of creative ideas flowing freely, I make some of my best work.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Twenty years ago, my husband’s job was discontinued. Rather than find a new job, he started his own company and we moved to San Diego! As an artist, it takes a while to build up contacts, create a studio, and get bookings for events and exhibitions.

I felt unknown in San Diego (actually, Carlsbad), so I joined several local art groups and took a clay class at the community college. Before long, I had many new friends, and felt more in the loop with the art scene.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cheryltall.com
• Instagram: cheryltallartstudio
• Facebook: Cheryl Tall
• Linkedin: cheryl tall
• Youtube: Cheryl Tall Art Studio

Image Credits
Image Credits: Bruce Tall