So I've reconnected with Communication Arts and I have to say, I'm a big fan. I posted part of an article on ownership last month this month there is a great article titled, Blogging with a Different Perspective. Great stuff. Here are some nuggets to ponder.
"Blog, blog, blog. Every time I thought about starting to blog, I felt annoyed and guilty. Each new blog I came across increased the pressure to have one. I have my reasons for avoiding the task. First, I don't like throwing my opinions or visual concepts into a public space without giving them time for considerations and refinement. Second, if I think someone is looking over my shoulder, I am self-conscious about having bad ideas, which is a surefire way to crush the seedling of a good idea. Third, I resent the obligation of posting on a regular basis, whether I have something to new to present or not.....
I began to see a different perspective: Blogging in the original sense ('blog' of course, is a contraction of 'web log') can be a tool to foster and reflect upon the development of one's work. So instead of using the blog as a way of speaking out, I realized I could use it to speak in."
Other nuggets out of context but interesting:
'But a blog, because of it's nature, gives permission - even encouragement - to share work in progress. One of the toughest battles in the creative process is to maintain a balance between keeping ideas open and making conclusive decisions.'
The late artist Agnes Martin said, "The bad paintings have to be painted and to the artist are more valuable than those paintings later brought before the public." Keeping a log of the so-called bad ideas is a great way to see the evolution of your work. Often when you look back, you see discarded elements that may now have value.
"Like most artists, I need to have deadlines and destinations for my work. But even with those two taskmasters, day to day progress can be difficult. A blog is a sort of personal trainer. And as I think about the nagging requirements of having something new for each entry, I remember one of my own basic rules: By seeing what repeats you discover what has lasting value. A blog lets you fast-rewind and fast-forward."
Some interesting thoughts on blogging.
