Seems like every year, at about this time, I reflect on the state of my blog and my life as a blogger. I did this both
in 2013 and
in 2014. And ironically when the thought struck me again today as I write this post, it is exactly one year to the day from my last post on the subject.
I have had this blog since 2007. I have written over 1400 posts, shared countless pictures, and somehow have received over 935,000 hits -- a number that never fails to astound me. I have met a gazillion people online, many of whom I have also been fortunate enough to meet in person. Although I can be found on most of the other requisite platforms as well, I still see my blog as my online home. And I fully believe that without my blog, I would not be the artist, author or instructor I have become.
In contrast to some artists who blog, I have never seen
The Altered Page as a chore or a drain or a time suck. It is my most reliable creative outlet, a connection to my peeps (yes, I mean you), and truly a pleasure to maintain. Often late at night in fact, when perhaps I ought to be sleeping.
In my very first blog post (which I recall struggling to write as if my very words would determine my future), I shared the following...
"Welcome to The Altered Page. I see this blog as one more element of my mixed media artwork. Much like the paper, gesso, acrylics, and other components of each piece, I believe the conversation that I am hopeful that this blog will generate will become an integral ingredient to the creative mix.... Right now, I have 3 goals in mind for this blog. First, to share my art and receive feedback in return. Second, to share artists, websites, stores, books, ideas, and creations that I have found. And third, to share great art finds from the museums, galleries, and streets of New York. Thanks for coming along for the ride!"
Somehow, all these years later, my goals remain just about the same. That doesn't surprise me as I am a creature of habit. That is crystal clear by the facts that 1) I have not updated the layout of my blog once in nearly 8 years of life and 2) I might just be the only artist who is using a canned header that doesn't even include a photograph.
Nevertheless, reflection is good and sometimes change is too. I still grapple with the issue of balancing creative sharing with self promotion (as discussed in
this previous blog post). This is especially true now that I am a maker of products (books, stencils, DVDs, etc.) in addition to being a maker of art. Going forward I plan to continue to do my best to maintain that balance and plan to share more posts that can be filed under the label of "thoughts."
And I hope that you all will continue to stay on this ride with me...
