Sunday, December 17, 2017

Change is in the Air


As we creep closer to the end of one year and contemplate the start of a brand new one, I find myself in a place of review and contemplation. 2017 seemed to be a year unlike any other and I still find myself dizzy with all the events that took place - both in real life and as reflected online.

Change for me is never easy. I find comfort in the familiar and the routine. But change is necessary for growth as an artist and a person. So changes are in the air. And since you have all been a part of my creative journey since it began, I wanted to share a small preview of what is to come and what is to go. It is truly a "one door closes another door opens" situation.

In no particular order...

My blog recently turned 10. I have posted over 1,850 posts. That averages out to about 1 post every 2 days. I know fewer people will be reading this post than posts past. The popularity of long form blogs has ebbed for many reasons, not the least of which is the rise of quick and easy social media platforms. This shift has had me contemplating and my blog may be will be morphing - both in terms of content and form. But it will not be going away. Stay tuned...

The longer I have been in the business of art, the less time I have had to actually make art. Ironic, right? Many of my colleagues who have spent years focused on teaching have now come to the conclusion that they want to cut back so they can return to their roots as a maker - rather than a teacher - of art. For me, I am still head-over-heels in love with teaching and travel and that part of my journey will continue. But, as a way to keep art-making a priority, I am planning on creating an annual art residency. In 2018, I will be spending 2 weeks as an artist-in-residence at The Mabel Dodge Luhan House in New Mexico. And I want you to "join me." Stay tuned...

These past few years I have spent more and more time on the design-side of my business. I now work with multiple creative companies, designing and producing art products. Truly a dream come true for me. Change is in the air in this regard as well. At the end of December, I will no longer be designing for Spellbinders. I started with the company as a blogger in 2012 and five years later it is time to move on. But I am excited to announce that I have connected with another company and will soon be releasing a completely-new-to-me product. Did I mention that I am excited? Stay tuned...

Some other changes are also in the works and will be shared as they occur. But one thing that will not be changing is my appreciation for all of you. Despite all the negativity that seems to have been a prominent part of the Internet in 2017, your support of my adventures in art has been unwavering.

Thank you!

79 comments:

Nikki Acton said...

Some exciting changes ahead! Look forward to your new releases and blog changes. At a crossroads here... To blog or not to blog! Can't keep up with all the social media platforms and not sure I want to.... But art will stay, for sure.

Roberta Warshaw said...

Exciting news!

Sisterhood of the Muse said...

I'm with you change...not wanting it, but doing it anyway. And I have found that, looking back, changes were always for the better. Just wish they could be "easier". Thanks for keeing us in the loop...I can't wait to see what 2018 brings. Above all, I wish you all you wish for yourself! :-)

Gayle B said...

Read the whole blog. Am looking forward to whatever comes next for you.

zandra said...

Change is always good for the soul. Wishing you all the best for 2018.

Unknown said...

Change is always good! I am a new fan and I am looking forward to the new & exciting changes you gave planned for 2018.

Unknown said...

Wishing you all the best as your life takes new turns in 2018. It sounds amazing! Merry Christmas Seth!

toni said...

Wow Seth! Lots of changes ahead! It all sounds so exciting. I 'm very happy for you and look forward to seeing how things unfold. Best wishes to you Toni x

Tracie L said...

Sounds exciting! Can’t wait to see what transpires.

Sharon Y said...

Seth, these changes sound exciting and renewing. 2017 has left me dazed and confused, and I have heard similar comments from other creatives. I appreciate your steady and inspiring presence. Best wishes during this holiday season.

lynner1950 said...

Can't wait to hear more about 2018! Happy New Year, Seth!

Mary said...

I look forward to seeing what changes happen for you. While long form blogs may have lost popularity, i think they will always attract readers like myself. I love reading yours.

Claudia N. said...

Exciting times ahead! I am sure you will rock those new endeavours as you rocked the "old" ones, Seth! My best wishes for 2018 and your future changes! I will love to virtually follow you along on your creative journey! Thanks to social media your art and inspiration have made it all the way to my little spot over here in Austria! Yay!
Wishes!
Claudia

Sandy A said...

Sounds like a winning plan 👍. You know we’re all behind you. Here’s to 2018 and all that it brings 🥂

Amanda said...

Sound an exciting year for you, and us regards your new products and endeavours do I look forward to all that.
Here’s to 2018!
Love
Amanda x

Corrie Herriman said...

Sounds like it's been quite a journey! Can't wait for 2018 and all it will bring! Good luck with everything!
Corrie x

Anonymous said...

Seth, you are constantly growing, and that IS change! It's just managed well😊 Embrace the growth into 2018. 2018 sounds exciting for you, and we'll be out here watching, waiting, walking beside you. All the best! Sharon C

bobbie said...

I wish you all the best on your new adventures!

Tina said...

So many exciting changes and I can't wait to hear more. 2018 will be an amazing year and I am positive all of these changes will make it wonderful. ♥

Chris Lally said...

Wow! A truly exciting year approaches! We will stay tuned.
And I'm so happy your blog will not be going away...

Hazel Agnew said...

Time flies Seth, and you cannot spread yourself too thinly. Looking forward to more inspiration from you in the coming year. Sending good wishes for the holidays and beyond! 😀

Susie McG said...

All of your changes sound positive Seth, I look forward to hearing more. I enjoy this end / beginning of the year period to assess and evaluate changes, achievements and goals.

Brian Kasslte said...

Exciting news. I have a hunch, a wish. I think you'd be an excellent fit. Good luck in all you do! Changes in the air for many of us! For me a change in focus. Change is good!

Hugs!

Brian

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Great to read your post Seth. I am also one of those people who loves familiarity and I struggle with change but I also know change is sometimes necessary to grow as an artist and individual . I still love my blog although visitors have dwindled somewhat, but like you say that is all to do with the ease of Facebook and Instagram etc. I will continue with my blog as it is like an art diary for me and I love looking back at my progress.

I wish you every success in whatever path you and your creative journey take you. All the very best for a successful 2018. Hugs. Tracy x

Kaz said...

Exciting times ahead Seth, thank you for the story so far, I look forward to seeing the next chapter that your journey takes you, all the very best for 2018 and a very happy Christmas to you xx

Mary C. Nasser said...

Great post. Happy to hear you are continuing the journey of blogging, too. What wonderful news to hear about your 2 weeks residency at The Mabel Dodge Luhan House in New Mexico. I've enjoyed residencies, and it's great you are making time for yourself to make! Yay!

Wishing you all the best in 2018 and always, Seth!

Helen said...

Sounds like there are exciting times ahead - can't wait to hear all about them! Have a fabulous Christmas

Redanne said...

It really does sound like there are exciting times ahead for you Seth and they do sound like very positive changes. I too, have noticed dwindling numbers of people visiting my blog and agree that social media has become 'the norm', it is so quick and easy, but I do find it a little less personal. Anyway, I am thrilled for you that life is taking you down a different route and I am so pleased to hear that you are not giving up on blogging! I do hope you get more creative time in 2018. Anne x

PearlMaple said...

Congratulations on all your accomplishments looking forward to cheering you on to the next adventures

Linda M. Cain said...

Well said. Well done. Godspeed, my friend.
~Linda

Becca Feeken said...

So tickled to read your post Seth! You have said exactly what is in my mind, however you have a knack of speaking so concisely! You are simply inspiring and my call to action is to seek you wherever you are. Best wishes my friend - you inspire confidence in all of us!!

Mary Thoma said...

Glad of your decision to continue to blog, I read it but not many others because the content is worth the screen time, every time, Seth. Our time is our investment in things of interest. I am still invested and I am glad you are too. Gonna check out your NM plan...who knows? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your significant other.

Peta said...

I look forward to seeing the new adventures of Seth in 2018 in whatever form they take.

sheila kelly said...

It would be great if I could "do" New Mexico with you...left my heart there many years ago! Let us know more about your adventures west.

Cec said...

I heard a fabulous quote about change at a conference once that applies here. "A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn." Doing things that make you happy are the most important and I look forward to your changes. I finally was able to scare some funds out of the Bank of Husband to buy some of your Spellbinders dies so I better get more $$$$ and buy a few more before they become collector items and are out of my price range. I wonder what he would say if I asked him to spring for airfare to New Mexico - hmmmm.

PaperArtsy said...

Woohooo. Sounds exciting!! I love change and strive to adapt year on year how to juggle, but like you, 2017 has been a total blur. You are a natural teacher, and you are the nicest guy to learn from ; chilled, open, thoughtful, encouraging and an enabler! Wishing you a productive and rewarding year ahead! Much love from us here at PAHQ !! Xxx

Miriam said...

Sounds very exciting Seth.... I wish you all the best with your new ventures. Merry Christmas xx

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

The best news I heard was your blog was NOT going away. I sighed with relief, because you have such a huge following. It may not be easy to change, because I've suffered that for awhile, but if you don't change, you can't grow. I'm so glad you are growing even bigger and better things in the near future, Here's to a productive and new 2018, both on your blog and in your teachings.

Unknown said...

You are always an inspiration to me Seth. Even though not in your 'circles' so to speak - I am always watching and enjoying your designs and artwork. Wishing you the very best in 2018 - you totally deserve it. Believing for your changes to be all positive, productive and prosperous!! Xj.

Carol Wiebe said...

Seth, I know that no matter what you do or how you do it, it will be artfully amazing. I have really enjoyed our back and forths over ARTifacts, and look forward to hearing more about all your creative adventures.

Gwen Lafleur said...

Looking forward to seeing what 2018 brings for you Seth. All good things, I hope ��

Squiddy said...

Looking forward to the new ventures. That's how one grows, and dodges boredom :)

Susan said...

I read your blog all the way through, Seth! Best wishes on your new endeavors and much success in 2018!

Tiff said...

Can’t wait to hear more about your new adventures! Good luck. I’ll be watching and cheering you on!

Jo Murray said...

You've come a long way since your 'art' beginnings Seth. Congratulations on your success and growth. I look forward to hearing where you are going next on this wondrous journey. Meanwhile enjoy a little R & R over the Festive Season.....or 'silly season' as it's locally known. Best regards.

Sandy McTier said...

Look forward to seeing all of your creative creations in 2018!! I am super excited to be taking one of your classes at AFCI (CHA) in Phoenix in January!!

Roxanne said...

I love long posts with thought.

Sandie said...

It’s important to review and maintain a balance Seth. Good that you are planning artist in residence and time to create more. Good luck with your new ventures and l look forward to hearing about your new plans.

Nancy said...

Wishing all the best for 2018. I agree that it is important to nurture your own art and the retreat sounds wonderful. Looking forward to see what's coming down the pike.

Kathy said...

Glad to see the blog will continue. i am looking forward to seeing what changes 2018 will bring and to hopefully seeing you as well

Caterina Giglio said...

So glad to hear that you are taking time for yourself to make art and all your changes sound great, so .. congratulations! 😉

Christina said...

Hi Seth, I'm so excited for you! Takig the time to create art yourself is very therapeutic and good for the soul. Here's to new beginnings...
Christina

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness what a powerful post. I got excited and teary as I read this heartfelt post. What a journey and you couldn’t be more right about blogs. I too am making the transition but you put it so eloquently I might have to steal your words. I am thrilled for your passions and I can’t wait to see what happens as the art in residence continues.

Art Joy of Sharing with Peg and Shel said...

I am so excited for you and your change in direction. It is not always easy to stay true to oneself and our vision. Best wishes in 2018 for all you have planned.

ncurryartiste said...

I wish you all good things. xoxo Nancy

Sherri Sinclair said...

Oh my goodness that is ALOT of change! But we’ll all be right there with you. J

cHim-prints said...

One thing that has been constant with you through all of the years is the open handed sharing that you have done - offering opportunities for newbies, wannabes, and the stars. As a newbie, I thank you for that. And I too look forward to seeing what's ahead for you. Wishing you the best!

Francesca said...

Changes is not easy but it is good and keeps us from getting stale. It sounds like you have some exciting journeys ahead. Happy holidays and wishing you a very exciting and prosperous new year.

Unknown said...

Hi Seth,
thank you for this blogpost. It is a good teaser to look forward to your endeavours coming year. Best wishes for 2018 :)

craftytrog said...

Hope you get more time to create art for yourself Seth. Wishing you all the best for 2018 and your new adventures.
Alison x

http://blog.timetocreate.com.au/ said...

Change is vital no matter who we are or what we do Seth. Closing a door allows us to look and see what else is part of the architecture. You work hard and still have passion. That shows

Marit said...

Sounds like 2018 will be an amazing year for you Seth! I will stay tuned... ;)

Tristan Robin said...

If I can throw in my 2¢ - which is worth exactly you pay for it :P, as a long time fan, reader, and only recent student, I have to voice an opinion.

I read your blog BECAUSE it is more than a bumper sticker's worth of words with a couple (or one) photo(s). I always find it informative and inspirational - and I like your writing style which is friendly, though a bit on the formal side. It's a style I enjoy reading, and one which I think I employ on my own blog. I hope you do not choose to reduce it down to a sound byte, which I think is not worthy of your time nor work.
I've been a fan of your work before I even knew your name. I would see photos of your decidedly distinctive art on Pinterest or Instagram or an image would pop up during a Google search, and I was always intrigued. Needless to say, I was quite thrilled when I discovered not only who you were but about "Altered Pages" and have read regularly ever since.
Sadly, I can only lay claim to one workshop spent with you. But I consider it a memorable time - both in terms of inspiration and knowledge gained - but a delightful and enjoyable time getting to know an artist and seeing how much of you is present in your art. Something I would never have known had I not had the good fortune to be a student. I hope that I have the opportunity to enjoy such an experience again...tell those CT shops and organizations to hire you, dammit!
And, finally, I hope you ignore everything I wrote above - because nothing is as important to an artist as making art. And nothing is as important to his public as his making art. So, if you don't have time to make your art in the manner you want - and you afford to stop teaching half your gigs - do it!
I always look forward to the next @SethApter photo tweet of an art work! ... and hope a full scale exhibition will happen in CT or NYC in the near future!

Unknown said...

I so admire your creative spirit and I am happy to hear of your exciting plans for 2018. Wishing you all the best!

Patricia Lintner said...

I have really been overjoyed to discover you this past year Seth. As one artist to another and I know exactly what you mean, you need your time to grow as an artist as well. I am truly excited to hear the upcoming changes and I wish you the best for 2018!

Karenliz Henderson said...

Seth, I'm so excited to see all your changes and adventures in 2018. Change is not easy but sometimes in the end change gives great joy! I will stay tuned!!!

Karen said...

wow, very exciting stuff it sounds like. Can't wait to hear more! I love tuning in to your blog & I know that viewership in blogs in general is down but it really is it's own art form. Have a happy Holidays & best of luck in 2018

Beverley said...

Can't wait to see what 2018 brings. I love that these days we can share globally. A favourite saying... "keep doing what you're doing, you'll kerp getting what you've got". Nothing wrong with that if it makes you happy, Changing things up, moving on whole new adventure to be had, pleased we can come along with you.

Gaby Bee said...

I wish you all the best for 2018 and your new adventures, Seth!
Gaby xo

Bev. Wilson said...

Your new adventures sound exciting, Seth! Looking forward to learning more about them.
All the best for 2018!

Poetryqn said...

Go for it, Seth! I've found that opportunities are sometimes disguised as unasked for change - I think your creativity and generous heart will assure you every success. Much love and best wishes for the holiday season! <3

Happy Learner said...

I agree "change is good for the SOUL.
The great thing about social media is it introduces and allows engagement at the point of discovery. I'm glad I discovered YOU.And I'm glad of your new adventures.

Debbie Gaetz said...

You go, guy!

Dijitize said...

I think you speak for so many of us who sometimes need to sit back, take stock, then make some decisions. We all look forward to seeing what's next and especially from you.

Kathi said...

I'm one of those who haven't spent as much time reading blogs as in the past.

However, I do try to stay up-to-date with your schedule and hope to one day attend one or more of your classes.

I'm a bit sad to read that you won't be designing for Spellbinders any more, but am excited about your new venture with Emerald Creek.

Here's hoping that 2018 is a kinder year to all of us.

Jenny Marples said...

Just catching up. In fact, catching my breath with the whirlwind that has been your year! Taking stock, reflecting and planning are essential to keeping the right balance and it's such a good thing that you've had time to do this. As the world of social media evolves, the way we reach out to people must do too and I know you'll be able to do this in your own inimitable style. Looking forward to seeing what 2018 brings and wishing you continued joy with your stunning art. See you in January! xx

Jackie PN said...

By the time I finally got around to reading this post, I do know what the new product is and I am thrilled to pieces and can not wait to fill my embossing coffers! lol
What a great year it has been for you and I look forward to what you have to share in the new one!
hugs Seth!
Jackie ")

ann barnes said...

Change is unavoidably necessary for growth... it definitely does not make it any easier. I am so excited to see what the future holds for Seth Apter, I know that the partnership with Emerald Creek has me eagerly awaiting a release of baked textures. I look forward to watching you evolve with your art and seeing where it takes you. May 2018 be one of your best years yet!

A Pink said...

Sounds like an exciting year ahead for you, Seth . I'm sure you will fully embrace the changes you are making and positively run with them .
I am so pleased you will be continuing with your love for teaching and travel and an art residency sounds like a fantastic way to keep your art making a priority.
Equally so, I am happy you will be continuing with 'The Altered Page'. It is without doubt one of the most inspiring blogs out there. I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend here. I know I may sometimes arrive late but that's because I believe it's worthy of more than just a quick scan read. Like with your art its all about the detail and that's what makes it so unique. It would have been a very sad day for the art world if you had chosen to close the doors . Thank you for keeping them open.
I'd like to offer you my biggest thanks too, Seth for sharing your creative journey and for always supporting so many of us in our creative journey's. You are a true inspiration and I am so looking forward to following your art adventures over the next year. Wishing you an amazing 365 in 2018! I Have a feeling its gonna be YOUR year!!
Happy New Year! Seth x