This is a piece I did in October. Its a bit different than my usual colorful work. I think it accurately reflects the mood of the times. Kind of monochromatic. Kind of dark.
I've been reflecting a lot on what it takes to be a "successful" artist these days. Everything points to social media now. You ain't active on social media, you ain't going to sell. Period. I've been doing this a long time. I've had my own gallery and worked the festivals. I truly miss the experience of talking to people face-to-face.
Most likely, no matter what happens, I will continue making art. I envy those painters from years gone by. There was less competition. Less distractions. Less immediate, negative feedback. There wasn't the pressure to get yourself noticed for 30 seconds on someone's screen.
But, enough whining. I also know that its never been a better time for artists to control their own careers. We no longer have to rely on galleries and museums to promote and sell our work. Not just artists but all of us are responsible for our own successes. And failures.
Having said all that, I will continue to post and blog. Probably not to the extent that all of those marketing blogs and podcasts tell us to but, I'll still be around and I feel no need to stress myself out about being in your face three to four times per day.
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