If a tree falls in a forest - does it even make a sound?

This is the last piece I made without making a behind the scenes video or any lead up.
It was also the first.
And that kinda makes my head swirl - so I'm gonna take a break and come back to this one.

One weekend in a field later.

I think as soon as the camera stops feeling like sharing work and starts feeling like 1984 - you have permission to turn it off.
We are in an era of documenting everything-
An era of information overload without feeling much better for it.

I constantly stop myself to ask these 2 questions:

1. Is there a benefit to me filming this?​

2. Would I be painting better with the camera off?

Because there can be a lot of benefit!
Filming the process invites people into the studio.
Showing the process helps people see beyond the 'finished piece' through all the steps to get there.
Art fills a void for things left unsaid  or things unable to verbalise - showing the process helps to build the story.

But the other side is - would I be painting better without a camera on me?
I've found in the last collection I've been working on I simply don't want the camera on.
I'm mad or I'm sad and honestly I just want to work without witness.
Obviously, there's nothing forcing me to post it.

Ironically I am planning to make a video about why there the last 2 paintings in the Archway Series don't really have a long speed paint compared to the first.

But there is something to be said about the invisible judge in your space when you'd rather there not be.
It feels a bit like micromanaging yourself.

So, what are you doing about it?

Well, I'm assessing.
All the time.
What feels right and what feels invasive.
I'm looking at launching my Patreon in the future.
It's been sitting around since my relaunch.
Patreon is more of a cool club for the people who are here to support and actually want to see your process.
It's just the calling into the void and wondering if people would be interested.

But maybe it's about calling into the right void.

I sit and think about those artists who don't use social media.
The one's who never got a chance.
The one's who vehemently don't use it on purpose.
​
I wonder if it would be too quiet without it.
Or if I'd simply give myself more time.

How do you feel documenting your process?

Let me know!