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If you can do anything you want, what would it be?

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Services for Real Estate Pros with Artazum, LLC

I have talents  but I do not use them properly. I was a good dancer; I never took classes or did anything about it. I did sing, my school used me in their concerts all the time, but since then I never did sing again. I take good photos, and I started making some money by taking photos for other agent's listings. But I never took classes and still do not have a professional camera. I live in America and I speak English somehow, but I still make thousands of mistakes. So, is it good to know how to do everything but not good enough? Or is it better to do one thing but perfectly? 

I am a painter. I think it was my destiny to be an artist. I loved to paint since I was 4. But I was going to special math school and then to Economy University in Minsk, Belarus. 

Now, I am 26 years old. I live in North West and I am a realtor. I love my job, but every day I feel that something is missing. I miss painting.

I feel that I need to develop my skills, learn arts and paint a lot. And try to put my soul on the canvas. I want to learn one thing to the end of it, so I will be able to say that I am a professional artist. I will be able to discover something new and exiting and share it with people. 

It is not too late, is it?

Below is the mural 14 by 8 feet, that I've paiting with oils in my home office.

Then a still life on the kitchen hutch cabinet I have painted a year ago and the "French village"  - was my second oil painting and one of my

Italian style muralpart of the mural

old style stilllifemy first oil painting

Comments (25)

Sharon Wager
Hunt Real Estate - Camillus, NY
"Your Blue Jean Agent"

Why would it be too late?  You are in charge of your own destiny.  It's not about what you went to school for, what your parents did or didn't do, what classes you did or didn't take.  Life is about finding the joy in every moment, even if you don't see it right away.  Don't worry about finding the end of the journey, just enjoy the journey.  You can learn more about anything, be considered a master/expert/professional whatever, and still a) not know all there is to know about it, and b) want to keep learning more - that's how you know you have passion for something.  You have to truly believe that you serve a valuable purpose in this world, even if you don't understand what that purpose is.  Then take the steps to begin your journey in a new direction.  Just remember that there will be choices to be made, and that choosing not to decide is still making a choice.  Believe in yourself, and you'll do wonders!

Jun 15, 2008 04:03 PM
Iriana Shiyan
Artazum, LLC - Bellevue, WA
Atazum Seattle Real Estate Photography

Thank you Sharon, YOUR words are very helpful. It sounds like you went through the same decision process. I agree with everything you have said. Thank you!

Jun 15, 2008 04:07 PM
Lane Bailey
Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA
Realtor & Car Guy

Beautiful painting.  Seriously.  And it would be remembered long after any banking relationship. 

And to answer the question... I would race.  Just about anything... any time.

Jun 15, 2008 04:08 PM
Ginger Walker
Keller Williams Realty - Stafford, VA
Realtor e-PRO,CSP

You have a wonderful talent and you should continue to share that with the world.  Keep painting...do not stop!  My daughter just turned 5 the other day and she loves to paint and draw and I know I am her mom but she is pretty good...I will encourage her to be and do what she loves as it is very hard to find something you love to do and that you are good at...If I could be or do anything I would volunteer at the National Institutes of Health Cancer floor that is for just the children..it would break my heart but if I could do something to put a smile on a childs face that is all worth it!

Jun 15, 2008 04:13 PM
Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

Of course, you can pursue the arts.

There are several things to consider. Very few people in the arts are making enough money to go by. THey have troubles with maintaining normal family life, as there so much confrlict between the demands of creativity, and financial demands of the family.

Only few extraordinary people reach the Olympus and are wealthy. Like writing poetry does not put food on your table.

My son graduated from SUNY (State University of New York) with BA in Visual Arts. I went to their student exhibition, there were some good works of art. It was 10 years ago, and nobody from his class made it anywhere. THey work everywhere, including Real Estate, and this is a decent liberal arts school.

You might find that you can make a full circle and get back to be a realtor, but after spending years of learning and tons of money in student loans.

You can avoid the bitterness of the journey.

Here in Daytona Beach there is a Russian lady. She is an artist. Rneowned artist. She had personal exhibitions in many countries. Her work was bought by Gugenheim meseum, she won the Kidak contest. She has the best academical education in this field. Talented and passionalte artist. She is a member of "Союз художников" of Russia. She has both phenomenal technical skills (a prerequisite for anyting in Visual Arts) and the vision.

She teaches a couple of classes in local college, but in order to survive, she has a facial license and works full time in a local spa.

]ALl that fight for surviving made her a bitter person.

Think not twice, think seven times. You might be a happier person the way you are.

Jun 15, 2008 04:17 PM
Iriana Shiyan
Artazum, LLC - Bellevue, WA
Atazum Seattle Real Estate Photography

Thank you Lane and Ginger, I love the difference  in between your dreams. We are all so different and it is great, that is how world stays balanced. Ginger, what is stopping you from becoming a volunteer? Lane I hope you have a good sport car.

Jun 15, 2008 04:19 PM
Iriana Shiyan
Artazum, LLC - Bellevue, WA
Atazum Seattle Real Estate Photography

Jon, what is the name of the Russian Lady? May be I can find some of her paintings on-line. Thank you for your personal story, it is quite imprassive. I think art became so cheap because even a good artists are ready to work for nothing, and there are tons of artist who like me, not sure what they worth of, so they sell their art for even cheaper.

May be I am better the way I am, but thank's God I do not have to worry about money. I can spend my time on education and developing my art passion. But you know, it is quite sad that so many artist can not keep working because they do not make enought money.

Jun 15, 2008 04:27 PM
Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

Marina Proskurina

Jun 15, 2008 05:08 PM
Mike Wong
Keller Williams Realty Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
Realtor: Commercial, Residential, Leasing, Invest

Irina those painting are beautiful and there is no reason to feel useless especially in our industry. Look at the service we provide to families: we make dreams come true, we build wealth, we help familes find homes, and so much more.

You are a very talented person. I wish I could create paintings like that. Everything I do is abstract art as far as paintings. I have a few artistic hobbies myself that have taken a back seat to my real estate career also. I was previously in architecture: building models and designing buildings, but it finally wore me down. I still love building models as a hobby, and drafing and designing, but it can take months to complete a personal project.

Real estate is a rewarding career choice: emotionally and financially if done correctly. Feel free to persue your other passions as well. Im always taking classes for things outside of my profession and picking up new hobbies. Its how you balance everything with your career that is important.

Jun 15, 2008 05:32 PM
Robert Machado
HomePointe Property Management, CRMC - Sacramento, CA
CPM MPM - Property Manager and Property Management

You already are a fine artist.  If you want to do it for a living start figuring out how.  At 26, you are way ahead of most people your age.  My goodness, you are an accomplished artist and a realtor.  You just need to get positive and get going.  Follow your passion or you will be sorry.  I would also suggest you not blame your parents, take responsibility for your future.  I had to ignore my parents from time to time and it always paid off to listen to my own thoughts.

Jun 15, 2008 05:36 PM
Robert Machado
HomePointe Property Management, CRMC - Sacramento, CA
CPM MPM - Property Manager and Property Management

There was a good article in Monday's Wall Street Journal about artists selling their work on the internet.  You should check it out.

Jun 16, 2008 05:50 PM
Jodi Watson
Homestreet Bank - Tacoma, WA

I am breathless....I had NO idea you could paint so beautifully. You definitely have a gift and truly believe it is never too late to follow your passion. It will only fulfill the emptiness and enrich what you already have.

Keep painting...and the rest will fall into place. :)

Start selling though!  

Jun 17, 2008 08:18 AM
No Longer Active in Staging. No Longer Staging
Hickory, NC

Irina - WOW - you are one talented young lady..  Use the gifts that the Lord has given you. It doesn't neccessarily mean that you have to leave everything else behind.. Just keep honing your wonderful skills in painting !  It is such a pleasure to do something that you love..

Jun 17, 2008 11:09 AM
Greg Fox
Realty World Wichita - Wichita, KS
Techy Broker in Wichita Kansas

You are indeed very talented.  Lots of talented people in the world.  Some make their breaks, some dow what they love, some like their loves to remain passion, not biz.  I love to shoot pictures, I hated shooting portraits and senior pics.  I have a friend that stayed in it for the love.  Now shoots from Cessnas for a living.  Me?  I'm a broker, and I still shoot pics, but I REALLY like what I'm doing

Jun 17, 2008 12:16 PM
Elizabeth Cooper-Golden
Huntsville Alabama Real Estate, (@ Homes Realty Group) - Huntsville, AL
Huntsville AL MLS

You are a wonderful artist! It is never to late to pursue your dreams and change career paths, never! If you can dream it, it shall be yours. You have a true gift. Best of luck to you!

I always wanted to be kindergarten teacher, but knew I would starve, lol!

Jun 17, 2008 01:34 PM
Iriana Shiyan
Artazum, LLC - Bellevue, WA
Atazum Seattle Real Estate Photography

Michael Wong, Thank you for a lovely comment. I think you have found the balance in your job and hobby, And that is what we all a re looking for.  Real Estate gives more opportunity for such balance thatany other job. Robert Machado, thank you for saying that I am accomplished, I will try to keep doing by best in rel estate and in art&photography.

Jodu Sakas - I am so glad you are reading my blogs, I was thinking about you. We should get together some time soon.

And everybody else, THANK YOU!

Jun 18, 2008 04:09 PM
Tina Farinas
Fusion Real Estate Network, Inc. - Roseville, CA
REALTOR, ABR, GRI, SFR, CHS, e-PRO

You have a very good talent.  Always enjoyed a good oil painting and yours are perfect.

Jun 18, 2008 05:19 PM
Pam Pugmire
Silvercreek Realty Group - Meridian, ID
Meridian Idaho Real Estate

Wow Irina, you are so talented!  You should pursue your painting!  It is never too late-have you heard of the famous american artist Grandma Moses?  She didn't start painting until she was in her 60's.  I look forward to seeing more of your work! 

Jun 19, 2008 05:29 PM
Bryce Mohan
Bryce Mohan Photography - Bellevue, WA

Irina, those are fantastic...well done!

 

BTW, in answer to your question; I would be me - just like I am...only better looking. ;)

Cheers, -B

Jun 19, 2008 05:43 PM
Iriana Shiyan
Artazum, LLC - Bellevue, WA
Atazum Seattle Real Estate Photography

Meridian, lovely name you have. That is so rare when you start something at 60's and become famoust for it. I will post more blogs about my paintings in the future. Thank you.

Jun 19, 2008 05:50 PM