Rodney

You're lucky to have understanding parents. Still, througout history there have always been individuals -- patrons -- who subsidized starving artists that they thought had skill, to give them the time to develop their art. Some of these people have been wealthy, or kings, or noblemen, but others have simply been generous art lovers with an apartment or shed they'd let an artist have for free or little, or casual work that they'd guarantee the artist whenever they were free to do so. Your patrons happen to be your parents; and, apart from loving you because you're their kid, they apparently think you have talent and are working hard.

It sounds like you're making progress in your career , and maybe your parents think so, too. I think you'd better have a talk with them to clear the air, at least for your sake.

What you have to say to them -- what you've said is your post -- is something every parent would like to hear a child express to them: gratitude, thoughtfulness (are you imposing too much), and the need for you and them to agree on boundaries _for you._

When you talk to them, Lay out where you are, how far you've come, and how far you need to go to become self-sufficient. Ask them if they're satisfied with your progress (and why), and how much longer they're willing to go supporting you. You bringing up these questions is a great favor to them, because if they've been beginning to have thoughts, you've spared them the awkwardness of raising them.

When this conversation is over, your parents will know where you are on your path, and you'll know how they feel about it and how they feel about continuing to support you. From there you can make decisions on how to proceed. Uncertainty will, I hope, be gone.