We were lucky to catch up with Sydney Yeager recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sydney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I think anyone undertaking a career in the arts takes a risk. There is no guaranteed salary or “health benefits” which come with a decision to become an artist. Success depends on many mysterious factors. The risks, however are profoundly worth taking.

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

For the past three decades, I have maintained an art studio where I happily paint as often as I can get there, typically 5 days a week. I love painting, and it is an important part of my daily life. I teach drawing and painting, too, so my life is constantly revolving around art.

I am honored that several of my paintings are visible in downtown Austin. You can see my paintings at “The W”, “The Austonian” and at the Bowie Building. If you happen to seek out the work, you will see large abstract paintings with lots of texture and color.
The painting in the Bowie Building was a commissioned piece, thanks to Karen Calvert of San Antonio, who was instrumental in getting the commission for me. Karen also put together the collection at “The Austonian”, which includes work of many well respected Texas artists.
My paintings are in the collections of several Texas museums: Houston Museum of Fine Art ( prints and drawings), Museum of South Texas, Tyler Museum of Art and El Paso Museum of Art.
I am also delighted that many other corporate and private collectors own my work.
I came to painting later than most people, as I initially majored in literature instead of in art., receiving a B.A. in English. Eventually I returned to pursue an art degree, and finally received both BFA and MFA from UT. It was a long time coming, and a risky decision to invest time and money into studying art, especially as I had two young children. Luckily, my husband supported my decision, encouraging me to pursue the path I most passionately wanted.

I have taught drawing and painting at Austin Community College for many years, and working with the faculty and student body is a something that I treasure. Likewise, my association with The Contemporary Austin’s Art School at Laguna Gloria is an experience that I value.

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 think many people envision an artist’s life as one of freedom from schedules and order. The legendary wild parties of the early abstract expressionists persist as a myth surrounding artists’ lives. In actuality, most artists have pretty limited social lives, and spend lots of solitary time in the studio. . I think people understand that musicians must practice; it’s much the same with artists. The more you work, the more your work improves. There is a quotation that is often invoked (especially in art school)…..”Work comes from work.” It’s one of those truisms that is correct,, as far as my experience goes. So set aside the myth of artists leading a wild and undisciplined existence. On the contrary, we work pretty hard. The difference is, we absolutely love our work!

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

I pivoted from the practical trajectory I was on when I made a decision to pursue a degree in art, instead of the more practical path of getting a Master’s degree in Adult Education. At the time I was faced with that decision, I was a mother of two young children, married to a struggling lawyer, and my part time job was tutoring students who were not conversant in English. In order to continue and advance, I was told I needed a master’s degree in Adult Education. However, at the same time, I had been renewing my passion for art by taking informal classes. After a lengthy discussion which I will never forget, my husband settled the matter. He said ” You don’t want to be 80 years old and regret your decision.” I am ever grateful to him for his insight. From that point, I was committed to an unknown future. I enrolled as a beginning art student, although I already had a BA. Luckily at that time, I was able to fill in the gaps by taking all art and art history classes, having already satisfied the academic requirements. (I’m not sure that option is still available today, but it was a wonderful experience for me.) I never dreamed that I would continue to get my MFA, and much less to be able to have a viable career as an artist Sometimes a risk is the only way to go!.    

Contact Info:

• Website: sydneyyeager.com
• Instagram: Sydney.p.yeager
• Facebook: Sydney Yeager

Image Credits
Dwayne Barnes TJ Hilton Shana Berenzweig