Followers
vs friends is a topic worth considering. Social media has become a race for
followers, to some artists. I know more than one artist who has given up their
thoughtful posts on social media, because they don’t think people care about
what they say. They don’t get a lot of comments, or large numbers of followers.
I
don’t share my thoughts to get followers. I have about 1000 followers on
Instagram. What does that mean? Nothing! I have never sold paintings on
Instagram. Artists have the idea that these platforms are for selling art.
My
thought is that social media is for friendships and admiration for others who
do much to improve the world. I’m lucky to have many friends, due to my career.
I’ve become friends with many thanks to social media. None of that is a
popularity contest, nor should it be. I leave that mindset to the Kardashians
of the world. Yes, I am deeply grateful for every painting I sell, but my posts
come from the heart, stories of my life and career.
Every
now and then I get a comment from someone who has never commented before. They
tell me that they look forward to my posts each day. Who knew? It means the
world to me. Every friend I have means everything to me. Perhaps artists need to rethink social media.
Life
is wonderful for country painters......