Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Caretaking, Housesitting, and the Arts
As a result of my last blog post and the readers' comments that followed, I received an email from an artist who is considering the possibility of caretaking. Sean, the artist, does not have a typical background in that he has supported himself as an artist and has lived in quite a few places, in the U.S. as well as in Latin America and Europe. He has never been a homeowner and has never worked at a 9-5 job. He asked me, "I don't have the experience of owning a home and I don't have the kinds of references that people who have worked in a 9-5 job do, so I am wondering, how do property owners feel about hiring artists? I don't have the years of caretaking experience that the couple in your article do. In fact, I don't have any caretaking experience at all. With my background, is it possible to find a caretaking position?" My response to Sean was, "yes", we have many, many subscribers who are working in the arts while caretaking. You can read "A Portrait of a Writer - A Profile of Cynthia Morgan" at https://www.caretaker.org//main.php?smPID=DBS::PROFILE_MORGAN Many property owners have found that artists, writers, actors, dancers, craftspeople, and others in the arts make excellent caretakers. A good number of property owners are happy to have an artist (or writer, dancer, actor) on the premises. With good personal and professional references, common sense, and flexibility, it is possible for artists to combine caretaking with their craft. Many artists find that they have actually been inspired by the property, and they love the fact that they are able to pursue what they love: art.
Thanks for sharing Sean's email and your response. I am actually one of your subscribers and I am currently caretaking while pursuing my craft. I am not exactly an artist but I am an artistic spirit and I create gifts made with the herbs I grow on the property. I have worked out an arrangement with the owners, who are not in residence, and I am able to use some of the property for growing herbs. I create seasonings, baskets, candles, essential oils, and several other things that I sell at local farmers' markets. In my case at least I see a strong connection between property caretaking and the creative arts. Elaine
ReplyDeleteGary, I thought I would add a comment here because I am another one of your artist subscribers. I have been a caretaker and housesitter on various properties in Alaska. I found all of my positions through the Gazette. My speciality is wood carving. I use native woods available to me here and make carvings based on traditional Inuit designs. It's a great creative outlet and a nice way to supplement my caretaker stipend.
ReplyDeleteWe are freelance writers who found your blog when reading about The Caretaker Gazette. We are thinking of trying out housesitting or caretaking, maybe in a rural place, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. As freelancers, it sounds like a good way to save on expenses and get our writing done in a peaceful place.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post! I also like the idea of combining art with the caretaking lifestyle. I am a silversmith who designs and makes jewelery and I accepted my first housesitting assignment this winter. It was only for 2 weeks but it gave me a great start and good experience. I am ready for something longer. Have material and tools, ready to go housesit! Shasta
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