[Kimberly Dow]

I have many motivations, but it simply comes down to one thing really. I cannot NOT paint and be a happy person. My family insists I paint or I am not as nice a mother, wife, friend, etc.

I have never gone long without painting - I knew I would be an artist when I was about 5 I think. But, the few times I have (like after c-sections and such) - I was such an unhappy person and it translated down to the family. What's that saying? If momma ain't happy...nobody is?

I have tried doing other things..I even managed an Italian restaurant on a beach in St Thomas the US Virgin Islands...the money was wonderful, but I only lasted 8 months before I had a melt down. This is the ONLY way to go. I have no idea who said it, but I heard an artist (or read...maybe even here) say to someone asking about making a living at art: "If you can do anything else and be happy, do it. If you cant be happy unless you do this, then you have to." That is my motto - this is it - there are no other choices.