[Chris Saper]

Hi Karin!

I agree that the isolation is not something for which everyone is suited. I like it, but it might just be the way my socially-challenged genes are set. I lived mostly alone until I was 35, and even in the corporate world, a lot of my work was solitary.

Still, I do realize that I need more balance - my family definitely takes the quiet out of my day, but I find that scheduling concerted time with friends is very important as well.

I enjoy an open studio where I can chat with other artists while we work, although I'd never do it in a workshop setting. For those who don't deal well with the isolated nature of being an artist, perhaps a shared studio would work, as long as it doesn't become distracting.

I think that might be answering a different question from the one you pose...ie, those who cannot "seem to put in the hours necessary. " Perhaps they can 't due to other commitments or priorities; perhaps they are hoping to be "discovered" or perhaps they simply aren't willing to engage in so many frustrating hours. Hard to say.

Nice to see you back, Karin!