Stones and Mirrors © 2008 J West Hardin
Stones and Mirrors, 5″ x 7″, mixed media on paper
Blogging has been an interesting ride and process for myself. Writing is something that I have always found challenging, which is why I try to do as much as I can. I started journaling in college, which continues today and is a combination of both writing and drawing. But that journal is much more personal journal than this blog or other blogs I have had such as the one I used to keep on LiveJournal. Journaling for me is a way to document my day, dreams, spiritual experiences and contemplations.
LiveJournal was fun while it lasted, but I found it a place of mostly negative expression, bitching, whining, belittling, snarking etc. I’m not saying I didn’t participate in all that, I’m just as guilty with my own passive aggressive behavior. But LJ was a place that almost encouraged that behavior. With the revamp on my website I was now able to create a blog attached to my art life in a new way and disconnect from the discontent. Leaving the LJ community was a good step in recovering a more positive outlook. I plan on writing more about staying positive at another time.
As an artist I felt it important to have a blog on my website so that collectors could get to know more about myself and my art. I can show friends and collectors what I have going on in my life. I generally try to not just photos of my artwork, I try to either relate a story about the piece or process or just share what’s on my mind.
Sharing more and more about spiritual life, has been the hardest part. I have no problem talking about it in like company, but here in my blog I’m a bit more exposed. I used to error on the side of caution in an attempt to not alienate anyone, but instead I found myself alienating myself. I have begun sharing more and more of my spiritual life experiences and if someone is offended by it, then they can move onto another blog. I’m not about to apologize for being myself.
| “I celebrate myself, and sing myself.” Walt Whitman |
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
This one really speaks to me. Something about the paradox of coherence in fragmentation.
I’m glad you were able to connect with this one. I want to explore more like this one. So many things to do!
That’s the exciting thing about art. There’s always more to explore!
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