To begin, begin.
September's for starting, isn't it?
I’m currently facilitating the Dark Side Book Club (join here before September 15), where we’ve just started Suleika Jaouad's The Book of Alchemy. In it, Suleika has assembled short motivational writings ending with a journaling prompt.
The first piece, by Dani Shapiro, opens with “To begin, begin, Wordsworth said.” And I’m taking that advice quite literally… I’m starting something new, I’m starting a Substack.
1. Why this, why now?
Since the closing of my beautiful studio space in 2020, I’ve heard over and over again that people are missing the community that the space helped to cultivate. What I’m hoping is that THIS online space will slowly begin to provide that much needed central place and support system that can feed and nurture all creatives.
2. What kind of community am I looking to build here?
I’m looking for creatives who are craving the company of other creatives - to share with, to be inspired and motivated by, to support and be supported by.
Any kind of creative. I dance, but I also cook, knit and crochet, draw and paint. Do you write? Act? Are you a poet? Do you dabble or are you a full time creator? All and any kinds of creatives are welcome. Including former and those wanting to be.
3. What kind of content will I be sharing here?
While I’m sure that can change, right now I’m thinking of this as being a place for me to share my work and practices, a place to share inspiration and my 25 years of teaching experience.
Think images, videos, articles, rants and raves (not those kind, the ‘man, I fucking love this’ kinda thing), musings, inspiring words, and what ever else I can think of that might help you along your creative path.
I’m also open to hearing what YOU’D like out of this - what are you looking for? Lacking? Needing?
4. What kind of community am I looking to build here?
I’m looking for creatives who are craving the company of other creatives - to share with, to be inspired and motivated by, to support and be supported by.
Any kind of creative. I dance, but I also cook, knit and crochet, draw and paint. Do you write? Act? Are you a poet? Do you dabble or are you a full time creator? All and any kinds of creatives are welcome. Including former and those wanting to be.
5. How will this space provide community?
I’m new to Substack, but I know that it provides so many possibilities and I’m excited to begin to explore them. It does provide a place where YOU can participate - with comments and exchanges with me, and with each other.
I’m envisioning places we can hold conversations and discussions, places to share work, and I’d love to host socials and even spark up the Fireside Chats again.
What can you do to help me start?
The best thing you can do is subscribe.
It’s free (maybe I’ll start something paid at a later date?).
Once you’ve subscribed, share it, so we can get the community started!