Over the weekend I made a new mold of an a small aspen leaf. (sorry the pic is blurry) This little baby is probably less than 2". I made a couple of casts and actually painted one, but it was a flop in the way I presented it and the colors I used, so here is my little blank slate...It will become something...maybe on it's own; part of a collage, or several in different colors all together...hmmm...still deciding.
BUT, what is really on my mind is a couple of things I've read lately on a couple of blogs I've been following. It has me sad. One artist supports herself solely through internet, and so I understand on one hand what she is saying, but on the other hand it has really stuck in my craw. (Is craw a word?? I've always wondered, but I digress) Basically she is fed up with the artists who she feels just take advantage. And by that she means asks for information on things she knows how to do, not enough thanks from the folks, etc. She no longer is going to have her blog up where she has apparently for some time given helpful hints and tips. She stated very harshly that she needs to focus on those who she can sell to. I SO agree that we need to work hard, and focus on how we can get sales...but I am sad at the attitude that seems to filter through...Another blogger yelled at everyone that didn't send things correctly to her. It has me wondering...are we all stretched too thin? Is it so thin that we need to lash out, that we need to close up and not share? I'm not sure I have the answer. But, I know the tone of one blog made it seem the worst thing we could do is to have other artists on our blog...other work. I think the word crazy was used...
I haven't been doing this so long that I am burned out on trying to help as many along my way as I can so perhaps I cannot speak to this with any validity. But, in a time for our country when things are so harsh and scary and tough, I am just not ready to grab all my toys and go home and not share.(I'm definately NOT saying these people are bad or wrong) The teacher in me is probably saying that, and I am definately not the best at marketing, but it gives me SUCH pleasure to help someone or send a thank you in the mail or write about a process...I am a firm believer that what goes around comes around, so I want to still share and help and give voice to others from time to time. At the same time I'm speaking of one who has not been slammed with too much..
And for the one who yelled at everyone for not sending things correctly...what about just holding to the rules that person set and just not posting the pic like she said in the first place. Perhaps she needs a hug!
I don't know, am I the only one that feels this way? We are all in this country together, we are all trying our best to do SOMETHING...I say let's all play nice and try to help, and remember that if we are too selfish or harsh it will reflect that way to our collectors as well. (I'm pretty sure they can read, and we never know they haven't read something on our blogs!)
6 comments:
Yours is the second post I've read this morning which urges generosity and positivity. I have not read the blogs that provoked these posts. I think that the exposure that a blog provides is a great gift, but as in all great gifts, often there can be a dark side. I'm lucky that I have had no bad experiences in this adventure--that of feeling that someone is taking advantage of my generosity. Teaching and sharing is a big part of what I love to do with my art, as it is for you, Saundra.
What a long way to say that I think I will continue to try to stay positive and "play nice" as you urge!
And--I can't wait to see what becomes of your casting. It will be interesting, I know!
Thank you for taking a moment Elizabeth!
Interestin thoughts. Profound even maybe. I am kinda new at this blog thing but have had a lot of fun meeting and sharing with a lot of artists out there all who are so totally involved and the talent exhibitied is incredible. I have even learned a few things. I guess if it is sales we are after by doing this I don't see it really ahppening. Friendships and support is priceless.
We are all creatures in Gods world trying to do the best we can and maybe a little encouragement from this person is needed. Maybe it is just a bad hair day.
By the way I really like what you are doing with the background of the Aspen leaf. Will be fun to see what you come up with.
God bless and happy creating.
Thanks Gary, I'm sure we are all just trying our best to do what we can.
I am amazed at how many artist are more than willing to share their knowledge through their blogs. There are always exceptions to the rule of course, but in the art blogging community they seem to be in the minority. I have made so many friends and learned so much through blogging - and am more than willing to share what I know with anyone who asks.
Jean
I enjoyed reading your post Saundra, because I have read the blogs that you have mentioned and I totally agree with you. I think it does reflect poorly on those who rant and turn negative on their blogs. It's a big turn off to all, including collectors.
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