New Chapter
Hello all,
I am writing this on a hard day. I am starting a new chapter in my life. One where my life is mine, and is no longer beholden to anyone else's.
I have decided to shut down my Etsy shop, and JD the Printmaker will no longer exist as a business in its current state. I am going to offer a "Pay what you want/can" on some future editions, if there is interest, however art is supposed to be fun, and the business side of things, coupled with having to stomach constant social media updating and the horrible toxicity that comes along with that, completely sucked the fun out of it until I no longer wanted to work on my art anymore. It felt like a job, like a chore, and there was no joy in it anymore.
I am still going to create. I believe that Genesis 9:7 is the dictation and law by which I want to live, that is, to create for the sake of creation, as this is what we as creations of the Creator are meant to do, to become creators ourselves. In this case, it is not procreating for me, but the creation of art.
"And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; Bring forth abundantly in the earth And multiply in it.” Genesis 9:7
This, along with many other writings, including Crowley's "Book of the Law" (to which I am an adamant adherent, and devoted Thelemite., and by who's principles I try to live my life every day) which states that finding one's true will is the most pure and good thing in this life.
"Do as thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law"
The Book of The Law, 1:40
This is my true will: to create for the sake of creation, not to profit.
I'll leave you with this quote from Van Gogh, which illustrates just how far I've strayed from my path as an artist, through no one's fault but my own.
"I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart."
I am seeking, I am striving, but right now I am not in it with my whole heart.
I hope to get that back some time soon, even if it takes the rest of my life.
With all my brotherly love, thank you for listening.
-Jude