Here's to New Things

Is this a newsletter? A blog? A 'Zine? Maybe, but yes.

I remember back in the 1900’s when I was first introduced to “the internet.” Like any proud Luddite, I resisted. I was sure I would break it, or it would steal my soul. In a way, I guess it did. Here we are, decades later, and it is inescapable, infesting our every day. It’s in my pocket, laptop, iPad, desktop. It’s our interface for all retail. It’s how we meet people, how we stay in touch, and order food to our front doors. I resisted Facebook and then Instagram as well. Eventually I gave up and just accepted it: On any new platform, one must secure their username as soon as it is announced, or be doomed to underscores and dot-dot-dots and numbers or clever enigmatic pseudonyms.

It was Instagram that made the shift in my thinking. Instagram gave me a newfound freedom of expression. The advertised “instant” element held no allure or assumed rules for me though. Most of us saw it for what it was: storytelling without a timeline. But these days, the fearsome algorithm kicks whoever has paid or cracked the hashtag code to the top of our feeds while the rest of us lurk in the catacombs. I find myself less and less engaged with the platform, and good luck to those who have interest in my humble work even seeing my Instagram content. I have been ghosted by over 15,000 followers on IG in the last couple years, and when I analyze engagement it’s down to “not much.”

So it goes. So what?

So here we are: a historically resistant internet user (me) who would prefer to continue a career in creating works of value, and being open to try out whatever is next. I have chosen Substack as my next venue for sharing bits and pieces of my work alongside things I find interesting.

I am approaching the platform with curiosity and openness. I will be experimenting with new ways to share my work. I invite you to follow along. Consider this platform my backyard fire-pit. I’ll share stories, give readers first access to art, invite you to think and attempt to stoke the flames.

The world can be a scary place for established artists right now. At this point in my path as a creator, I’m wondering what is next for the coming decade -- for any of us. Maybe the next step involves direct access to those who connect with my work.

Here’s what I’m offering-

A. Free Subscriptions: Previews, and short occasional posts showing up in your inbox.

B. Paid Subscriptions: Written content, first access to new (or old) original art, “Behind the work” content, interviews, guest writers and an occasional physical ‘Zine in the mail. My goal is a conservative two in 2025. Basically I’m offering whatever I’m in the mood for but asking audaciously to be compensated for it.

C. Benefactors: This is basically Paid Subscriptions at a higher level just because you are cool and want to see me succeed on this new platform. At the very least I will send you an annual hand-drawn Christmas card in thanks on top of access to the content and chat. You’re of course welcome to “Benefact” more than the minimum.

WHAT I’M WORKING ON

Eventually A Sequoia: Stories of Wild Places & Artful Adventures coming in October 2025 from Mountaineers Books.

This book is somewhat of a follow up to my 2015 graphic memoir DRAWN: The Art of Ascent in that it is personal narrative stories from the decade since. However, whereas DRAWN was climbing-adventure focused, in “Eventually” I leave the climbing gear behind and follow individuals doing good work in the far corners of the planet by river, air and foot. I will be sharing more as we lead up to a book tour in the fall of 2025.

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ART TO CONSIDER

Johan Deckmanns Manual covers

MUSIC TO CONSIDER

Lost River by Murder By Death from 2012

Hush now, creature, dry your eyes
I know a place where a body can hide
Oh, I know a place where a body can hide

Last time I saw you, our table was bare
If you hurry and join me, I will lead you there

Oh, sink beneath the water, sink into the deep
In a pond just off the road that feeds this muddy creek
Oh, in a pond just off the road that feeds this muddy creek

Thanks for reading and be dareful out there.