sometimes people read these?
Just a small note for tonight.
I recently had a conversation with an older friend through messaging, where they were asking me how to get more involved with zines and creative communities online and otherwise. I think I seemed like the right person to ask given I rarely shut my mouth about my trading of zines or intimate details of my life online. I gladly chatted with them, as their art has also resonated heavily with me throughout my time of knowing them. Just stunning photographer.
I mentioned this site, this little haven we have, as a place where I've met and continue to meet like-minded creative people. Whether it's through a reply post, or a simple email, there's always people willing to chat. As soon as I mentioned my blog, they let me know that they have in fact already stalked my blog.
I was stunned in that moment. Then I realized, should I really be? In being very vocal about my work, people are bound to see it and actually read it, including those I know in real life, so to speak. The knowledge that those I admire actually do see my work, even in silence, shocked me in the best way.
That's what makes me adore Bear Blog specifically. There is absolutely no obligation from anyone, the reader or writer, to reach out to anyone. Aside from a minor like button (that can be removed anyway), the only thing on ones site is their words. Should they choose to allow people the chance to comment on their work, they can leave an email, but it really doesn't get more complicated than that.
On this blog, it really is an extension of my journal into the public sphere. So far, I have always attracted exactly the type of people that I actually want to get to know, want to interact with my work by simply making myself available. That's what makes conversations like the one I had with them so very special. It's always unexpected, always sweet, when I find out someone has taken the time to see my work. I know I put it out there, but sometimes it's hard to believe it actually reaches anyone.
Thank you to everyone who chooses to reach out, and thank you to everyone who sees at all! I'm beyond happy to know that I've indirectly helped others in their creative journeys. That's all!