I’m actively seeking alternative ways to follow and connect with my favorite artists outside of Instagram, a newsletter would be great. But only if it’s not an added burden to you like social media often is.
Yes that would be wonderful! As someone else said sometimes I miss you on instagram. I also think your view on the world and how you relate to that as a creative person going forward is of great interest being someone who is also in the doll/figure/art arena. How will we be able to create in the future, and how will we survive in the changing world as the individual gets smaller as the globalist tighten the reins on our lives. It's certainly something we will have to face and sharing ideas could be beneficial to us as creatives or to those who have a love of the more sensitive and imaginative side of life.
I look forward to reading your thoughts and thank you for offering your time and energy to us.
Yes to more content, but be sure to find the right balance so that it doesn't infringe on your creative time. I'm most curious about your process and inspiration!
Jana - You might be surprised. I'm a full time graphic designer who wants badly to get back to painting. It's a struggle to find the time but I've looked quite a bit at the promotion angle in anticipation of getting there. Most of what I read advises focusing on building the newsletter - you own that as opposed to the myriad social platforms vying for our attention. Your figures feel so personal. Tell us their stories - who are they, why are they with us? Good luck - I know it's not easy.
Thanks again Matt… it’s really so interesting, just having this conversation. I agree… the more we can connect in a more personal way, the less the giant social media platforms, which are all about selling ads, have power over us. I really like that. I’ll be starting some-sort-of-something in February.
Yes, because i like to keep up with you but on instagram many makers get snowed in and than i miss much! And just a clip or photo with your w.i.p. or your vieuw of the moment takes me away from the harsh world for a second...
Hi Jana, yes I would love to hear more even just the mundane struggles and tiny delights. I’m really interested in how our deep, sometimes buried feelings show up in our work and how it helps to heal us. Also I think I’ve been very passive about my outrage at what’s going on in politics and life and I hope to channel my energy into something positive.
Thank you Barbara! I get all of that. I think the more overwhelmed we feel by all the bad things going on, the more we crave and need connection to others. We’re all wired to try and find meaning, and I think art if how we do that. I will be starting a little monthly journal- nothing terribly important, nothing too long, but with some random tiny bits.
Anything!! Process videos/explanations, background info on how you got into doll-making and how you learned your techniques, whatever you would be comfortable sharing! It is basically an extra job though so only share what is not burdensome or stresses you out. I am fascinated by everything you do.
Whatever works for you. It can be cumbersome to maintain multiple platforms I know. Do wants best for you first. I'm happy to read/view any of it. You are inspiring and I thank you for your work!
And really, I’d like to see anything, what are you reading, what’s something you are excited or thinking about, seen any cool art? What music are you listening to? What’s the state of your studio?….
Hi Jana! I am more than willing to anything that’s about an artist’s routine. I am craving for learning more about both modern living artists like you and the deceased one’s routines, it really helps me to focus on my personal work and grow, also it creates a deeply personal experience. Anywhere from at what time you drink coffee to :D your monthly inspiration boards or how does it make you feel to be able to create art and make a living out of it is welcome. You probably know Austin Kleon’s weekly notice board, that’s a great example for if you’re thinking about monthly encounters that inspired you; also think about this as a personal version of “Mason Currey’s Subtle Maneuvers”. As always, best wishes…
Ps. Time to time sharing playlists that you listen to while resting, creating would be wonderful!
Thank you Emir! It’s a tricky balance, right? Thinking about sharing what goes on in my head feels a bit scary and odd… (a. Why does that matter to anyone? Do I really think anyone would care? Who do I think I am, Mrs FancyPants? b. Will self-reflection dilute what I am doing? c. Will self-revelation take something (mystery) away from my art? Will it take too much time way from what I’m doing?) . I’ve started compiling my current reading, music and film lists and may just start there… this conversation alone has already been worth it!
Thank you! I am sorry for late response, we opened the bookstore that I told you about and there was an event, just saw the notification in my inbox and looked forward for this day to respond freely. These questions are so important, I like them, they let us to analyze how we see ourselves; like when I was writing my book I was feeling so guilty and pointless because I was feeling guilty of my position, sitting in my comfy chair only effort I put is moving my hand to write while there were people freezing in cold working for scraps (Although I think I am becoming a living example of starving artist myth day by day after seeing not much community support, hopefully there is family support). I guess yours is much related to overcoming a feeling of showing off as you ask why someone would be interested in me, but remember we are all here voluntarily to actually get to know you better. And think, art making is more detailed and personal than any newsletter can be, so you are already sharing your most personal: your piece of artwork.
Maybe it's not the same with anyone but I feel a boost when I read studio memoirs, routines.
And beyond all, you have a beautiful personality, this is why we take time to devour your newsletter. It was probably a year ago you shared something titled, a deeper look into my work(?) and it was one of a kind!
About the topic of if this will be time wasting, I can't say anything. Artists should make art, and as a tendency anything not related to making art seems like time wasting. I remember from the podcast how you could only stand museum guard job a couple of days even it was a job you just have to sit, that really tells how important you see art making beyond anything and scared of doing a second job/or whatever may harm your practice. I read this in the book "the Bohemians" by Dan Franck, a quote from Picasso:
"When you have something to say, to express, any submission becomes unbearable in the long run. One must have the courage of one’s vocation and the courage to make a living from one’s vocation. The “second career” is an illusion! I was often broke too, and I always resisted any temptation to live any other way than from my painting… In the beginning, I did not sell at a high price, but I sold. My drawings, my canvases went. That’s what counts."
-Golden!-
And this is a prediction on how you will be thinking for the next year, this is from Agota Kristof, a great writer, she starts with her childhood and express reproaches from others, then continues and this time she express reproaches to herself as she grew older and now she must be writing instead of anything, you will love it:
Apart from this grandfatherly pride, my reading
disease brings me mostly reproaches and scorn.
– She never does anything. She’s always reading.
– She doesn’t know how to do anything else.
– It’s the most pointless activity that exists.
– It’s pure laziness.
And above all:
– She reads instead of . . .
Instead of what?
– There are far more useful things to do, no?
Even now, in the morning, when the house grows
empty and all my neighbours leave for work, I feel a
little bit guilty when I sit down at the kitchen table to
read the newspapers for hours, instead of . . . doing
the housework, or washing last night’s dishes, or going
out to do the shopping, or washing and ironing the
laundry, or making jam or cakes . . .
And above all, above all! Instead of writing."
Hope I didn't bother you, will turn back to my silence:)
Love seeing and reading about your perspective on life, anything you would like to share I would love to see* Grateful you are in the world making the works you do, sendin big smiles from over here in Sheboygan Wisconsin)))))))
Oh ya know in the teens but no snow that lasted quite yet. The temps keep going up and down.... The sun this time of year doesn't burst me into flames so that's nice*
Yes that would be lovely :)) I love to look at artists work/ studio`s but not keen on Instagram to be honest ..lots of fakery on there ..It seems very chilled here ..So great idea ..x
I love these comments! I’ve been a doll artist for years. I’m interested in changing things up a bit. All of my work is intuitive. I’d love to learn a bit about adding some foundation with metal and clay. Something to play with! I love your work. So inspiring. So happy to be here.
I’m actively seeking alternative ways to follow and connect with my favorite artists outside of Instagram, a newsletter would be great. But only if it’s not an added burden to you like social media often is.
Yes that would be wonderful! As someone else said sometimes I miss you on instagram. I also think your view on the world and how you relate to that as a creative person going forward is of great interest being someone who is also in the doll/figure/art arena. How will we be able to create in the future, and how will we survive in the changing world as the individual gets smaller as the globalist tighten the reins on our lives. It's certainly something we will have to face and sharing ideas could be beneficial to us as creatives or to those who have a love of the more sensitive and imaginative side of life.
I look forward to reading your thoughts and thank you for offering your time and energy to us.
Susan x
Yes to more content, but be sure to find the right balance so that it doesn't infringe on your creative time. I'm most curious about your process and inspiration!
Thanks Matt, and right? That’s the trick. I also find it *incredibly* hard to believe that anyone wants to k ow *anything* about me.
Jana - You might be surprised. I'm a full time graphic designer who wants badly to get back to painting. It's a struggle to find the time but I've looked quite a bit at the promotion angle in anticipation of getting there. Most of what I read advises focusing on building the newsletter - you own that as opposed to the myriad social platforms vying for our attention. Your figures feel so personal. Tell us their stories - who are they, why are they with us? Good luck - I know it's not easy.
Thanks again Matt… it’s really so interesting, just having this conversation. I agree… the more we can connect in a more personal way, the less the giant social media platforms, which are all about selling ads, have power over us. I really like that. I’ll be starting some-sort-of-something in February.
Yes, because i like to keep up with you but on instagram many makers get snowed in and than i miss much! And just a clip or photo with your w.i.p. or your vieuw of the moment takes me away from the harsh world for a second...
Thank you so much for the response- I think I’ll indeed be doing this!
Looking forward to it!!
Hi Jana, yes I would love to hear more even just the mundane struggles and tiny delights. I’m really interested in how our deep, sometimes buried feelings show up in our work and how it helps to heal us. Also I think I’ve been very passive about my outrage at what’s going on in politics and life and I hope to channel my energy into something positive.
Thank you Barbara! I get all of that. I think the more overwhelmed we feel by all the bad things going on, the more we crave and need connection to others. We’re all wired to try and find meaning, and I think art if how we do that. I will be starting a little monthly journal- nothing terribly important, nothing too long, but with some random tiny bits.
Anything!! Process videos/explanations, background info on how you got into doll-making and how you learned your techniques, whatever you would be comfortable sharing! It is basically an extra job though so only share what is not burdensome or stresses you out. I am fascinated by everything you do.
Thank you Keira! I think I’ll be starting some-sort-of-so thing in February and see how it goes! x
Whatever works for you. It can be cumbersome to maintain multiple platforms I know. Do wants best for you first. I'm happy to read/view any of it. You are inspiring and I thank you for your work!
Yes, because I need the encouragement to get back in my own studio.
And really, I’d like to see anything, what are you reading, what’s something you are excited or thinking about, seen any cool art? What music are you listening to? What’s the state of your studio?….
Hi Jana! I am more than willing to anything that’s about an artist’s routine. I am craving for learning more about both modern living artists like you and the deceased one’s routines, it really helps me to focus on my personal work and grow, also it creates a deeply personal experience. Anywhere from at what time you drink coffee to :D your monthly inspiration boards or how does it make you feel to be able to create art and make a living out of it is welcome. You probably know Austin Kleon’s weekly notice board, that’s a great example for if you’re thinking about monthly encounters that inspired you; also think about this as a personal version of “Mason Currey’s Subtle Maneuvers”. As always, best wishes…
Ps. Time to time sharing playlists that you listen to while resting, creating would be wonderful!
Thank you Emir! It’s a tricky balance, right? Thinking about sharing what goes on in my head feels a bit scary and odd… (a. Why does that matter to anyone? Do I really think anyone would care? Who do I think I am, Mrs FancyPants? b. Will self-reflection dilute what I am doing? c. Will self-revelation take something (mystery) away from my art? Will it take too much time way from what I’m doing?) . I’ve started compiling my current reading, music and film lists and may just start there… this conversation alone has already been worth it!
All my best wishes!
Thank you! I am sorry for late response, we opened the bookstore that I told you about and there was an event, just saw the notification in my inbox and looked forward for this day to respond freely. These questions are so important, I like them, they let us to analyze how we see ourselves; like when I was writing my book I was feeling so guilty and pointless because I was feeling guilty of my position, sitting in my comfy chair only effort I put is moving my hand to write while there were people freezing in cold working for scraps (Although I think I am becoming a living example of starving artist myth day by day after seeing not much community support, hopefully there is family support). I guess yours is much related to overcoming a feeling of showing off as you ask why someone would be interested in me, but remember we are all here voluntarily to actually get to know you better. And think, art making is more detailed and personal than any newsletter can be, so you are already sharing your most personal: your piece of artwork.
Maybe it's not the same with anyone but I feel a boost when I read studio memoirs, routines.
And beyond all, you have a beautiful personality, this is why we take time to devour your newsletter. It was probably a year ago you shared something titled, a deeper look into my work(?) and it was one of a kind!
About the topic of if this will be time wasting, I can't say anything. Artists should make art, and as a tendency anything not related to making art seems like time wasting. I remember from the podcast how you could only stand museum guard job a couple of days even it was a job you just have to sit, that really tells how important you see art making beyond anything and scared of doing a second job/or whatever may harm your practice. I read this in the book "the Bohemians" by Dan Franck, a quote from Picasso:
"When you have something to say, to express, any submission becomes unbearable in the long run. One must have the courage of one’s vocation and the courage to make a living from one’s vocation. The “second career” is an illusion! I was often broke too, and I always resisted any temptation to live any other way than from my painting… In the beginning, I did not sell at a high price, but I sold. My drawings, my canvases went. That’s what counts."
-Golden!-
And this is a prediction on how you will be thinking for the next year, this is from Agota Kristof, a great writer, she starts with her childhood and express reproaches from others, then continues and this time she express reproaches to herself as she grew older and now she must be writing instead of anything, you will love it:
Apart from this grandfatherly pride, my reading
disease brings me mostly reproaches and scorn.
– She never does anything. She’s always reading.
– She doesn’t know how to do anything else.
– It’s the most pointless activity that exists.
– It’s pure laziness.
And above all:
– She reads instead of . . .
Instead of what?
– There are far more useful things to do, no?
Even now, in the morning, when the house grows
empty and all my neighbours leave for work, I feel a
little bit guilty when I sit down at the kitchen table to
read the newspapers for hours, instead of . . . doing
the housework, or washing last night’s dishes, or going
out to do the shopping, or washing and ironing the
laundry, or making jam or cakes . . .
And above all, above all! Instead of writing."
Hope I didn't bother you, will turn back to my silence:)
Take care...
Hearing from you about what your creative magic is up to would be lovely🖤
Thank you Elizabeth, I appreciate that! I will probably start a little monthly thing in February. x
Love seeing and reading about your perspective on life, anything you would like to share I would love to see* Grateful you are in the world making the works you do, sendin big smiles from over here in Sheboygan Wisconsin)))))))
Thank you Danny, all the way over there in Sheboygan! Is it freezing and snowy over there?
Oh ya know in the teens but no snow that lasted quite yet. The temps keep going up and down.... The sun this time of year doesn't burst me into flames so that's nice*
Yes that would be lovely :)) I love to look at artists work/ studio`s but not keen on Instagram to be honest ..lots of fakery on there ..It seems very chilled here ..So great idea ..x
I love these comments! I’ve been a doll artist for years. I’m interested in changing things up a bit. All of my work is intuitive. I’d love to learn a bit about adding some foundation with metal and clay. Something to play with! I love your work. So inspiring. So happy to be here.
What are you reading and what are you listening to. Only if you have time.
Thanks Debra, I will definitely be doing this. Thank you so much for the input.