New site, Same Blog.

I’ve been blogging on and off (mostly off, recently) since 2007 on the Blogger platform. If you’re curious, you can access “Artventuring” from the link above. For my first post here on my new site, I thought I would reminisce a bit: Here's what I wrote on April 12, 2007 in my first Artventuring post:

Today is the launch of what I hope will be an interesting, informative and enjoyable blog.
Artventuring is my vision of the creative life; having adventures on the journey which is the creative process, and I love Maya Angelou's quote about it: "Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the sooner we will be able to treat life as art."

Artventuring also means discovering talented people around the world who are engaged in creating beautiful things. Interviews to come, at least once a week.

I'll also share information about my own work; I create mixed media shadow boxes, masks, clocks and mirrors inspired by the colors, textures and symbols of Africa. I sell my work primarily through art shows and festivals.
So, please join me in Artventuring; a journey of discovery.

And, on Artventuring’s first anniversary, April 12, 2008:

One year ago today I wrote my first Artventuring post.

What's happened since then?

I've learned a lot about blogging, my work and myself, and about the kindness of people I've never actually seen.
I've learned I need to write in the mornings, otherwise the post doesn't get done.

I've learned inspiration sometimes comes from the least likely places, and to recognize it when it does.
I've learned to ask for help and opinions (not the easiest thing for a true Virgo woman!), and to value what's given in return.

I've learned that the creative process is at once a solitary and collaborative one, and thanks to my readers, I've made some changes and taken some leaps which I wouldn't have, otherwise.

I've learned I enjoy exploring the world of art and sharing what I've found. And, though I've done fewer artist interviews than I'd first thought I would, I've found other ways to go "artventuring" around the web.

I've learned to get out of the little corner of the world I occupy, and seek new sources of inspiration and 'visual delights'...I'll be doing more of this in the coming year.

And, I'm astounded by Artventuring's reach; the most recent visitor from the farthest away lives in Brisbane, Australia (10, 065 miles from Raleigh, NC)! During the year, I've had visitors from just about every state in the US, Greece, Ireland, Germany, Macedonia (!), Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, the Netherlands, Canada, India and Italy, to name just a few locations.
After 365 days, 141 posts, 11,707 page views/visits, and over 300 comments, I realize this blog has become an important part of my creative life.

Now, 14 years later(!), I embark upon a new chapter in this new space. Much has changed: global pandemic, house fire last year, Facebook connections are more immediate than blogging, and Zoom has become the way we connect virtually, and in real time. So does this mean blogging is obsolete? Perhaps, but I will continue with the same sense of wonder and discovery, hoping that my musings are entertaining for you, dear reader. If you’ve come this far with me, thank you, and I look forward to sharing what’s next.

~Michelle