The instant gratification that Facebook brings to artists is irrefutable – what artist could pass up a 24/7 audience where “thumbs up” and “hearts” are instantaneous after sharing one’s work? Although at times I wax poetic about life before the internet, the outreach of the virtual world is irresistible. While the 200 views I received on a recent post is a blip on the screen compared to ones that go viral, getting noticed is a start. And yes, I check the number of views and engagements (for days and days and days…) and hope they go up. Reasons to Share My reasons for sharing are twofold – to put my work out there and hope it clicks with someone as well as for my own record of what I’m doing and what I’ve accomplished. Most recently I made three posts in a similar number of weeks. I loved how my newest bisqued piece “Tipping Point” was “resculpted” each time I photographed it in the sunlight and wanted to share the imagery. Below are the images from these posts: Habit-Forming
Posting is definitely habit-forming – once the views, engagements and likes come to a standstill, then it’s time to do it again. However, finding a balance is important. That’s the art of posting. There is a method to this madness – along with the “likes” comes the underlying hope of success. Unfortunately, there’s no Facebook emoji for "success." What an Artist Needs For most artists, being successful means making a living through selling their art. In her 1929 extended essay, A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf echoed a similar sentiment, stating that in order for a woman to create, she needs to be financially independent and have "a room of one’s own." It is something that we artists all dream of and strive for. Successfully Lost The creative spirit definitely has a mind of its own. American Trappist monk and poet Thomas Merton once said, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” I am truly enamored with this latest piece "Tipping Point" and have taken hundreds of pictures. I am most successfully lost.
4 Comments
6/1/2021 08:58:03 am
I loved both your words about posting and the multiple photos of Tipping Point Susan!! You have inspired me to renew posting my work and updating my website!
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Susan Zimmerman
6/1/2021 11:03:38 am
Your message sure made me smile. So wonderful to know that I have inspired you. You have done the same for me in many ways. Looking forward to seeing your new work.Take care, S.
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6/18/2021 10:53:58 am
Beautiful work! "The greenware stage "Tipping Point" was set aglow by the sunset" — that's stunning, the colors are wonderful. :-)
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Susan Zimmerman
6/25/2021 03:24:54 pm
Thank you so very much for your beautiful words about my work. Merton's quote is a favorite of mine. Your comments inspire me... just moments ago I was taking photos of my newest piece.More work is on the way!
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Susan ZimmermanCeramicist and photographer inspired by the moment when clay and sunlight met and merged. Archives
August 2023
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