I have been away from the blog for almost 2 months now and I haven't missed it a bit. Since the last post, my wife and I have bought a new house and begun work renovating it to be exactly what we want. Needless to say, things have been busy.
While I've been away - and to be honest for several months prior to the last post - I've been thinking a lot about the blog medium. For me, the blog thing has run its course. I started this blog in 2004 because I didn't see enough honest opinions about art on the web. I decided to be part of the solution and started Thinking About Art. This post is number 1,199. What has made Thinking About Art successful, I think, is that over the course of five years there have been approximately 4,600 comments left here.
But 5 years later the blog feels more like a burden to me than anything else. Some people (fewer and fewer every day) are able to constantly churn our worthwhile content, but I'm just not able to muster up the energy to spend the necessary time creating content for this site. Part of that makes me feel sad, but at the same time I feel more free as well.
I'm still not 100% sure that this post is the end of the road for Thinking About Art. There are several unfinished projects that have stalled and there is certainly more to say. There is more to learn as well, but the thing I have found is that the blog can really put pressure on some relationships. There are art dealers who were once friends of mine who now ignore me. It has been suggested that some of my reviews from 5 years ago might have played a role in me not getting into some MFA programs. I know for a fact that I've been excluded from shows and other opportunities because of the blog. Knowing this, has the past 5 years been worth it? Absolutely, yes. I've learned so much writing this blog and interacting with you, the reader, that I feel I have grown astronomically as an artist. The relationships I have formed because of this blog have been enriching and I value them immensely.
I'm out of practice writing content for this site and I apologize for the random, stream-of-consciousness style of this post. Like I said, this isn't necessarily the end, but it might be. I need to think on it a little more. Even if the end is near, I will maintain this site so that the archives are available for as long as possible. Several hundred people visit this site per day still so I think there is value in the content.
I'm considering other forms of new media to interact with a readership about art. I may want to start something more studio-focused, or perhaps some other way of sharing thoughts about art shows, art issues, etc. A fairly recent experiment on Facebook was exciting to me. Twitter still irritates me to no end. A work in progress, I guess.
I'll make another post in about a week with my decision. In the meantime, please accept my sincerest thanks for your continued interest, support and dialogue. It means so much to me to have had these past 5 years with you.
i recently did the facebook thing and have to say its been a struggle to want to blog. all the artists are there buzzing around and while there is far too much mundane stupid shit being posted, there is a huge support group there and instant communication which feels like a fast injection as opposed to the slowness of blog responses and feedback.
twitter still sucks.
facebook is a good tool for spreading the word and getting your self out there (plus if and when you do blog it will load through there and everyone can see it)
congrats on the house...the life...the decisions. i still check your website and enjoy knowing you are out there.
Posted by: paula | Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 12:25 PM
wow i have found this blog the day that it might end, such a shame.
My regards from ARGENTINA
Posted by: Alejandro | Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 04:50 PM
I am not sure if I have ever commented on your blog before....it is about time that I do. I will not be upset if you decide to end the blog because I will get to hear your opinions, see your work and experience all of the shows with you. I get to enjoy your blog in real life. I have loved every minute of it.
Posted by: Yours | Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Close to tears. I mostly just feel really grateful that I have been able to follow your posts for the last few years. It has meant a lot to me as an artists who is just starting out. I have loved the posts and the discussions, the comments. and I will miss it should you decide to stop. But I do understand the stresses of blogging and look forward to your making other wonderful things in other parts of your life. Many thanks J.T.
Posted by: Brock | Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 04:52 AM
Well, whatever you chose to do with your time, remember to let us know, it's been really good.
Posted by: Adam_Y | Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 10:32 AM
JT
I have your blog....but understand when its time to move on....its been a great run
dean
Posted by: dean | Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Hi J.T. It sounds as if your at the cross roads.We all get there many times, especially when blogging. It can be very painful at times, opening up your own can of worms.However it has to be said that it is one of the best things I have done to move me forward. I feel like very time I blog I have a mini breakthrough, or melt down, however I percieve to experience it, although I am the only one who may feel it. My thoughts are that when we do things that may challenge our own ideas and beliefs and 'put it out there' it alows others to do the same and it trickles through and thats when change and shift takes place.When you show courage and kindness, it inspires others to do the same. I ask you? Do you want to stop this blog, or change direction? Could you collaborate with some of your collegues to inject a fresh new look and approach, to give you some free time to concentrate on other things.Maybe this does not have to be the end, but a new beginning. Jeez! I hope so, your blog is a breath of fresh air! And obviously has a lot of impact and influence in your circle. Your facebook project lives on in my heart! Candyxx
Posted by: Candice Herne | Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 04:30 PM
I'm still reading J.T. but I'm having the same thoughts about my blog. Franklin just split his content up.
TAA has had a great run and I'm sure you'll continue to kick ass at whatever adventure you go to next.
Posted by: wwc | Friday, August 28, 2009 at 01:28 PM
The medium is the message, JT.
Posted by: Joseph Barbaccia | Tuesday, September 01, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Excellent run, JT. This site has been a catalyst for some great discussions. Thanks!
Posted by: Scott | Wednesday, September 02, 2009 at 07:29 PM