I've recently started to post photos on Instagram. I have been reluctant to do this but a lot of my old 'contacts' are on there and I felt I was missing out. I am already wondering if this was a mistake. So many of the photos on Instagram are carefully curated, it makes my efforts look totally amateur and probably not the 'experience' most people want when searching for their hearts desire. I tend to make something and then take a snap shot of it, faults and all and it's there for all to see, dissect, admire or criticise. I don't know if I am cut out for this kind of public exposure.
Although my blog is out there on the world stage I don't feel so vulnerable posting here. Here is like a safe harbour and not the vast ocean of Instagram and other social media sites. I am in a quandary what to do. Sometimes I think I should keep my 'art' to myself and wait until I produce something I am 100% happy with, but what if that day never comes? For now I think I will continue to make my creations public, after all we all have to start somewhere don't we?
I think that social media sites can easily make anyone feel inferior whether it is about what they do, what they create or about their perfect families, homes, cooking, fashions or whatever. There doesn't seem to be any room for those of us who are perfectly happy with "Good Enough" these days and the fact that mental illness is on the rise might well be in part due to all this perfection out there that we ordinary mortals can never achieve. The solution? Either stop going there or dive in and be proud to be who you are, to live how you do and create what you like and not give a toss about what "they" do. They are probably so tied up in their own perfection (if in fact their lives are such) that they don't have time to take much notice of what you post anyway. Real lives are about more than all this so do what you enjoy and rather than trying to fit in maybe you will stand out just as you are and who knows maybe start a trend for real mortals who can feel some sort of connection with you. I have wasted so much of my life feeling not good enough so I speak from the heart and can honestly say I am much happier being me just as I am. Sorry - rant over!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane. It would be great to set a trend for 'real mortals'!
DeleteOh sorry I forgot to say I love the little drawings.
ReplyDeleteThank you. x
DeleteAwe I don't agree Simone, it's lovely to see you and your art on instagram. Just make your instagram account what you want it to be!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your continued support and encouragement Vivienne. x
DeleteI'm not at all happy with 'social media' sites like face book and I don't know about twitter or instagram. I much prefer my blog even though after 13 years I'm running out of things to blog about and maybe should finish doing it. I can quite understand how you feel about if you should share your photos or not. Love your toadstool card!:)
ReplyDeleteI think there is always something new and interesting to see on your site Rosie. You may have blogged about certain places before but not many people go back to revisit older posts so it's nice to have our memories jogged and there are newer readers all the time too! :)
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ReplyDeleteYou shouldn't have said that - I'm following you now on IG :0) xx
ReplyDeleteTee hee!!! :)
DeleteDear Simone. I clicked on your blog tonight and was so happy to see you back here posting. I have read all of your new posts. I love your mood board post - it inspired me!
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I follow you on IG. The people you follow must be professional artists, but I see many people who paint and craft for their own enjoyment.
Lovely to see you back here - maybe I'll join you and get back to my blog also!
Hello Judy! Lovely to see you here. I am glad that I inspired you with the mood board post. I think I will make another one but 'arty' related.
DeleteI've only been posting to instagram for a few short months and my pictures are definitely not going to win any awards. But that's not why I'm doing it. It allows me one more opportunity to give my internet friends a way to visit with me. Keep at it. I love your photos.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon! I guess we all choose our favourite ways to make connections with each other. I am still trying to get used to Instagram. :)
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