Over the past few weeks, I've been struggling to come up with writing that's both interesting and appealing to you, the readers of this publication.
Since initiating this newsletter, I've felt an increasing time pressure. Let me explain.
Some of you are paid subscribers - for which I'm incredibly grateful - while others simply want to read about art regularly, and some visit occasionally. Consequently, I feel obligated to create and provide something unique every time you open an email or visit the Substack site.
The truth is, I'm stuck.
I'm overwhelmed by the amount of research I've put into certain subjects, and I haven't been able to articulate a proper post over the past 10 days.
My goal remains to publish at least once a week, to establish a habit that will allow me to create, write, and synthesize thoughts about different aspects of what I find interesting and appealing.
I used to have a pipeline of articles that I could schedule and publish. Now, I have a catalog of ideas and research sitting half-baked on my computer.
Art has always been transformational for me, but lately, because of this publication, I've felt stuck and almost unwilling to learn or practice any art discipline.
So I have to ponder: Does it make sense to pursue this? Am I adding any value? Is this newsletter just another email to skip/delete/archive in a world that demands constant attention from us?
I've also been questioning if the current editorial direction is what I should be working on. In other words:
Do I want to document my findings about exceptional and transformative art in the age of Claude, ChatGPT, and Perplexity?
What value do I add by curating?
Do I want to continue writing about my inner life, experiences, and fiction writing?
In parallel to this newsletter, I'm working on a book. A few months ago, I suggested to some friends the idea of publishing chapters or excerpts here on Substack for paid subscribers. I haven't given it much thought since then. Should I pursue this idea?
I'm stuck, and I feel a heavy weight on my shoulders because of it.
I need to think and reflect. Please bear with me.
Until next time. By any art necessary
Be true to yourself - trust your gut feelings - take care of yourself. This letter shows you have the potential to be successful in all three things.
Some of your newsletters have been very long and the content could perhaps have been spread over several letters.
definitive yes to sharing chapters from the book. being stuck is not a bad thing. it means, more often than not, that you are becoming aware of your path and are now able to see if the path is right. taking a break, making a detour to sight-see, sitting down to contemplate the view — are all important parts of being on the move. the only wrong thing in all of this — is doing anything out of sense of obligation.
Imma be honest, I haven’t read any of your art research newsletters, they fall off me like water off an oily surface, no grip. But I instantly relate to this last letter, because I can see the similarities in our journeys. I encourage you to stop producing and start creating out of sense of play.
Not knowing where you’re going is the best place to be, it’s the only way to get to a new place.
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