The last few weeks have been quite difficult for me. I recently shared on social:
I am tired. Tired of being vulnerable for that vulnerability to be commandeered by others for views. I’m tired of seeing people climb over each other to catch the trophy that is virality. I’m tired of platforms doing the exact same, taking from other platforms aiming to stay relevant. Im tired of being important enough to be ripped off, but not important enough to be revered. Im tired of being told “it’s just a reflection of society on here.” I’m too tired to know what to do next, but I know I’m not alone in the exhaustion.
I was so thankful, but also saddened, to see so many artists resonate with the above sentiment. As thankful as many of us are for social media and how it has circumvented the gatekeepers that are galleries, curators, and museums, it has evolved to prioritize virality over all else. It is encouraging xerox copies of vulnerable thought, all for the hope of a like.
Logging into Instagram to see a rip off of either my work, the work of an artist/dancer/musician I love, is incredibly deflating. To see larger accounts repost those ripoffs in hopes of piggy-backing on the virality rocket is something I hope is addressed sooner rather than later. Being intentional about what we share and re-share is so incredibly important, and my hope is if we begin the conversation, we can encourages folks to pause before reposting.
I try to be vulnerable in all aspects of my life; with my partner, parents, brother, and friends. It also seeps into what I share online as well, to a lesser extent, but it is indeed in my work and the process that goes into it. This vulnerability has taught me so much about myself, how I want to show up in this world, and how I want to help society change for the better.
I don't think I'll ever stop being vulnerable, but I have been altering who is able to see that vulnerability. I recently shared that I'll stop sharing my process on Instagram as seeing ripoffs of my process/work has damaged my confidence, and the number one response to that boundary was, "but I love it, your process is soothing, don't stop because of them!"
And honestly, although they mean well, those responses showcase what I feel many artists are feeling currently: that our value is in our output, not in our existence.
As difficult as it may be, given how I support myself largely comes from social media, I am firmly sticking to my boundary, and I hope artists to the same with theirs: your joy is more important than the joy of those who observe you.
I’ll Never Leave New York, Apparently
I am so excited to share that my book has been selected by Amazon to feature for Women's History Month! It is so incredible to see it displayed so proudly in Times Square as well, I may have moved to Los Angeles, but a part of me will always be in New York. To collect my book, and the books of many other incredible women, head here!
I Love A Good Museum Print
I’ve always loved museum-style prints and posters, which is why I’m updating my accessible print shop to include them! Can’t wait to see these in your homes: