I never intended for this to happen. I mean, I don't even like labels, per se. Alas, you can't help but be labeled, but it's best when you are who you are just because of the fact you do things you enjoy and are drawn to certain things and not because you are trying to fit into some label or mould. For example, I have been called a free-spirit, wild heart, or kindred spirit. It's not that anyone really intends to be these things, people just find words to explain you, and then when you find out what these words mean, you're like, "That's it. That's me." and you almost don't feel so alone from being different from some other people. When I found out about the words Bohemian and The Starving Artist, I knew I had found some other terms to explain myself and possibly find others out there like me.
According to Wikipedia, "Bohemianism is the practice of an unconventional lifestyle, often in the company of like-minded people, with few permanent ties, involving musical, artistic, or literary pursuits. In this context, Bohemians may be wanders, adventures, or vagabonds.
Let me explain how labels can be heartening: having lived in three different states in the past few years, rid myself of many material possessions, worked on writing a novel that I have yet to finish, and constantly coming up with ideas to create things; I thought of myself more as an unconventional person that lacked direction. Finding Bohemianism made me feel more confident in the person I am. Recently, I also started to find others like me, though it seems to be difficult. I have a quirky style and I can be sentimental. Wanderlust is my favorite word (along with euphoria and teacup). Bohemianism is not a label, it's an explanation.
Starving Artist is another term that I have become all too personally aware of. Wikipedia describes a starving artist as, "An artist who sacrifices material well-being in order to focus on their artwork. They typically live on minimum expenses, either for a lack of business or because all their disposable income goes toward art projects." In the past, I always did what I thought would lead me to a conventionally successful life. Recently I decided that is not the point of life. I want to be free and actually do something with my creative ideas. So what if I don't have money...it just means that I won't spend much money. Not spending much money also makes it easier for my bohemian lifestyle, with few material possessions dragging me down. Call it a voluntary poverty of sorts: I am willing to forgo money and luxuries society makes you believe you need for what I believe are luxuries (creativity, love, and health). I digress, but being a starving artist has its advantages. I've given up the endless rat race to finally pursue my creative interests and I hope to continue on with these during 2013 and throughout my life.
I started a blog featuring ugpcycled projects and art that has helped me in being creative without spending much money, and more importantly, upholding my belief in reducing, reusing, and recycling.
Without work for a few months, I have the time (way more precious than money), to work on my writing and finally accomplish my long list of creative ideas. Any money that I do have, I want to invest in things I want to make. Never before in my life have I felt more like I was being my true self.
Definitions copied from:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemianism
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starving_artist