Leaving the Social Networks

Do you promise to quit but never do it? 

Weird! A few days ago I couldn't get into my Instagram. And then in none of my Facebook accounts. No password works. I said to myself: they had me. After 13 years in social media I should have expected that sooner or later I was hacked! 

Keep calm dad!

I think it's a bit of a disaster. What with the thousands of people who followed me for years. Well maybe is only half a disaster, I said to myself. After all, who can say that is so bad? But I kept fumbling and swearing for an hour, until my 18 year old, digital born daughter says: it's a global thing, dad! Social networks are down all over the world. Keep calm, they'll be restored soon. And they are indeed a few hours later. 

My laptop and coffee by the Engelbecken pond, Berlin 

I'm almost disappointed. After all it was a great opportunity to set myself free from this digital slavery. To get rid of this illusory circle of unknown friends and followers. Not to mention the tons of stupidity an hate, commercial bombing and atrocity news. 

Fear of disappearing

I promised to leave that for years, but then don't have the courage to cut off! Social media have become just a distraction from serious studio work and an obligation to be on screen every single day! Else you don't exist. 

Maybe I tell myself changes need to be radical. The gradualness that seems a sign of wisdom only increases the agony, the fear of rupture prolongs the suffering. And instead I should say: Yes, delete! 

Happy Art Life! -- Francesco

PS. Mailing letters are different from social platforms: they are more personal and easier to quit. If you don't like mine, please sign out. If you like them instead, invite a friend to sign up and receive my Artist Letters!!

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Obsessed with Quantity

Looking for new friends is an innate social tendency. But today, we invest a lot of energy in compulsively acquiring new contacts. It was almost a shock to discover that my phone book alone has over 1800 contacts! But how many can I hear in a day? On a good day maybe a dozen. Well below 1%! So why add more weight to my contact list? After all, how many good relationships does a person need?

We're one short of two

I have extended the same reflection to other aspects of my life. It seems mandatory to be informed about everything, to know how to do the most disparate things, from editing a video to speaking in public. Everything seems essential to be successful. And of course it's never enough. If we are not active on the latest trending social media we become invisible; if we don't apply this new type of marketing (yesterday's was a scam) we will never sell anything... In short, we are always missing one to make two!

Our hidden golden capital

Interrupting this race for a moment, I realized that in my studio I have a capital of hundreds of paintings, that over time I have gained a wealth of life experiences and soft skills, that I have built a network of people who respect me and admire my art.

So much to tell and share

So I decided. For a period of time (maybe three months, maybe a year) I may want to paint only a few art works and dedicate more conversation with those I was lucky enough to meet and perhaps forgot too soon. Taking the time to study my existing work deeper. Perhaps my masterpiece is already there, or simply there is still so much to tell and share. 

I hope these reflections inspire you. 

Happy Art Life! -- Francesco

PS. I've redesigned the home page of my website and rearranged my Collecting and Learning proposals. Please check it out and interact as much as you can. I appreciate that you let me know what you like and especially what you don't and your advise. Redesigning is still ongoing. Thank you!